Isis at the table

In ancient Egypt, there is no separation of starter, main course, and dessert: a "table of peace" (hetep) is laid—a pile of offerings placed before the goddess—conical loaves, poultry, fruits, jars of beer and wine. A portion is consecrated to the divine through smoke and word, then redistributed to priests and worshippers: this is the "reversal of offerings." The actual meal revolves around an unchanging foundation—bread and beer—enriched according to rank and festival with vegetables, dried fish, roast poultry, and honey sweets.

Honey—the tear of the sun god Ra according to the texts—and the sweet date are the sacred touch of Isis's table: they sweeten offering loaves, glaze festive poultry, and bind confections. In Egypt, sugar is first and foremost honey and fruit, never cane.