Understanding Lunch and Dinner: A Cultural Perspective

The terms 'lunch' and 'dinner' have different meanings in various regions, cultures, and personal backgrounds. This article explores the concept of these meals, with a special focus on how they are defined in different parts of the world, including the author's personal upbringing.

Lunch Across Cultures

The mid-day meal, referred to as 'lunch' or 'luncheon,' can vary widely based on where you are and how you were raised. In the author's household, lunch was usually light, typically consisting of sandwiches, soup, and possibly a salad. This suggests that the term is often used to describe a less substantial meal compared to dinner.

In stark contrast, the evening meal was referred to as either 'dinner' or 'supper.' The choice of term indicated the formality and composition of the meal. 'Dinner' was served on a flat plate and was more formal, often including richer dishes like steak or fried chicken. On the other hand, 'supper' was served on a high-sided plate to accommodate gravy or sauces, and it typically comprised heartier meals like stew, pot roast, or pasta in sauce.

The Concept of Lunner or Dunch

A term that has emerged in recent years is 'lunner' or 'dunch,' which describes a meal taken in the late afternoon or early evening, bridging the gap between traditional lunch and dinner. Unlike regular lunch, lunner/dunch can be more substantial and often incorporates a mix of items found in both lunch and dinner menus, such as salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta, main courses, and desserts.

Despite its similarities to both lunch and dinner, the idea of lunner/dunch can vary significantly based on individual preferences and cultural norms. Some individuals might view it as a larger late afternoon meal that serves as a replacement for both lunch and dinner. Others might use it to describe a meal that simply combines elements of both without replacing either of them entirely.

The Author's Experience

From the author's perspective, the definitions of 'lunch,' 'dinner,' and 'supper' were quite specific. 'Lunch' was the mid-day meal, not too heavy, often eaten between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. 'Dinner' was the main meal of the day, usually enjoyed in the early evening, between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. On Sundays and holidays, dinner was shifted to the afternoon, between 2:00 and 4:00 PM, at which point the term 'lunch' was not used.

'Supper' was a late meal, typically eaten after 8:00 PM, and was commonly enjoyed on special occasions or after a late movie or theater experience.

These detailed descriptions illustrate that the terms and meanings of meals can vary greatly both regionally and culturally, and it's essential to understand these nuances to comprehend the full picture of meal times in different parts of the world.