Folk etymology has derived the term "potluck" from the Native
American custom of potlatch; the word "potluck", however, is actually of
English origin. It is a portmanteau word formed from (cooking) pot and
lucke. The earliest written citation is from 1592: "That that pure
sanguine complexion of yours may never be famisht with pot lucke,"
Thomas Nashe. As this shows, the original meaning was "food given
away to guests", probably derived from "whatever food one is lucky
enough to find in the pot", i.e. whatever food happens to be available,
especially when offered to a guest. By extension, a more general meaning
is "whatever is available in a particular circumstance or at a
particular time."
Potluck dinners are often organized by religious or community groups,
since they simplify the meal planning and distribute the costs among the
participants. Smaller, more informal get-togethers with distributed food
preparation may also be called potlucks. The only traditional rule is
that each dish be large enough to be shared among a good portion (but
not necessarily all) of the anticipated guests. In some cases each
participant agrees ahead of time to bring a single course, and the
result is a multi-course meal. Guests may bring in any form of food,
ranging from the main course to flavorful desserts.
Dancers
are not bashful as the picture indicates... The potluck had almost
everything including sushi to get the energy level up and ready for
dancing!
Carri
was ready with camera in hand to capture the event... Picture of a
person taking a picture???
The annual Christmas Potluck is a very well attended event by members from many of Carri's classes.
Where else could a couple go and for six dollars dance to great music, visit people with the same interests, and eat until they are stuffed???
This year was well attended with over 60 people enjoying each others company.
Carri arrange for a quartette to sing after dinner which was a very nice touch. The acapella group sang Christmas carols and if you look carefully in the pictures, you will see the audience singing along including pantomiming certain well known phrases!!!
A group from Carri's Church entertained us with very festive Christmas carols.
Carri
supervises the festivities and makes sure everybody is well fed and the
music is continuous.
