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During National Beef Month, we consider: What’s at “steak” in a world without beef?
It’s hard to imagine a Nativity scene without a cow nestled gently alongside the manger. Or Christmas Eve with no glass of milk left out for Santa to drink. No sugar cookies made with butter, or hot cocoa topped with real whipped cream.
In Western cultures, the holidays would look and feel quite different if cows didn’t exist. But beyond these familiar traditions, how have cows helped shape other seasonal celebrations globally?
Let’s explore just a few of the ways cows are celebrated around the world — both during the holidays and throughout the year.
Cows are at the heart of numerous cultural traditions in every season and across the globe. As we reflect on these international customs and festivities, it’s worth considering how cows impact human life in ways that we can’t always see or recognize — from shaping religious and spiritual beliefs to bringing people together to break bread and share in the joys of the holidays.
Along with these special occasions, cows are also ever-present in most of our daily lives. Underlying common phrases like “Holy cow!” and traditional imagery like a calf within a Nativity scene is an animal that has impacted different cultures for centuries — or even millennia — in surprisingly deep ways. What other untold stories of culture and connection might we discover if we only looked closer?
During National Beef Month, we consider: What’s at “steak” in a world without beef?
Exploring cows as symbols of nourishment, care and connection across cultures
From producing serotonin to improving gut health, dairy provides key nutrients that help us think, feel and sleep better
Cows or crops? The answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might think.
Turn curiosity into action — and help broaden the conversation
Take a closer look at humanity’s profound reliance on cows
As climate change intensifies and the world’s population continues to grow, the pressure on our global food production system mounts. You can play an active role in shaping a more sustainable planet for future generations. Fill out the form below to learn more about how you can partner with us.
