When have we eaten from the same dish?

Background

According to José María Sbarbi, in his dictionary of proverbs, the saying comes from a great lord who organized a feast. At the table, the place makers required that each lady had a gentleman by her side. For each couple there was only one dish, a single glass and a single knife, even though the couples were strangers. The talent of the host was to place the guests in such a way that the familiarity between them was pleasing to both.

Human social relationships and rituals are built upon food and its consumption. Traditionally, sharing food has suggested a level of intimacy between the people sharing the meal. The expression is used as a cutting remark; when asking if two people are eating from the same plate, what one is really saying is, "are we on such familiar terms that you can treat me with disrespect?"

In many countries, family and friends often ate from a communal bowl. With that came a whole set of customs and expectations. Shared food is one of the most intimate and generous acts. People sit to eat with their family and friends, and to celebrate special occasions.