Breaking Bread

The tradition of unbraiding a twisted loaf during discussions of shared relationships.

Breaking the bread is the Beluvian tradition of untangling and sharing a braided loaf between folks negotiating the terms of consent within polyamorous and open relationships, and a braided loaf is used to signify the joining together of individuals in a way that is both comfortable and pleasing.
This tradition has spread to other regions of Anvil, though overseas it is more commonly practised in gatherings between military and political parties to ensure peacekeeping.

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Untangling Topics

Breaking the bread is often started privately between couples with a small braided loaf that is picked apart together as topics surrounding consent, boundaries and formalities are discussed. For more than two people, a larger and more complexly braided loaf is baked.
Sharing from the same loaf of bread ensures that all participants in the discussion are on equal terms and coming from the same place. It helps to build trust with new folks at the table with this humbly shared experience.
Sobriety and level-headedness is an important part of the tradition, and (if desired) the consumption of any recreational drugs or alcohol are restricted until after everybody is satisfied with the discussion and the crumbs have been swept from the table.

by Pierre Gui on Unsplash (modified by TJ Trewin)

Food for Comfort

When sharing the bread, table manners are left behind. The act of picking at the loaf, crunching the toasted crust, and idly rolling the crumbs makes it much easier for folks to discuss challenging or awkward topics - these behaviours are encouraged to help the conversation flow, and the simple act of eating your fill of bread ensures that no one at the table behaves irrationaly due to hunger.

Dipping Sauces

The bread is purposely plain to suit the palette of all folks involved and symbolises a basic starting point that everyone understands and is comfortable with.
Different members of the table bring an accompaniment of spreads and dips to share with the group to symbolise the offering of new tastes and experiences, which make the meal enjoyable and can also be used as a metaphorical conversation tool.

Do you like the sweetness of jam?
How about the meat of a clam?

Would you like it spicy and hot?
Or cooling with cream that's thick enough to clot?

Do you like the salt on your tongue?
Just a little sprinkle or intense like the ocean?

Do you enjoy the extra cheese?
Go on, help yourself, and taste what you please.

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Primary Related Location

Belu

by Mae Mu on Unsplash

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— common saying