In Michelle Zauner's memoir Crying in H Mart, kimchi symbolizes the complex interplay of preservation, memory, and the enduring connection to cultural heritage and a lost loved one. It represents both the act of holding onto what has passed and the acceptance of change and decomposition inherent in life and grief.
Kimchi serves as a profound symbol that allows Zauner to process and honor the memory of her mother, linking culinary tradition with the deeply personal experience of loss.
The Dual Symbolism of Kimchi
Kimchi's significance in the memoir stems from its unique properties as a food item that embodies a fascinating paradox:
| Aspect of Kimchi | Symbolic Meaning in Crying in H Mart |
|---|---|
| Preservation | Represents the enduring nature of memory, cultural identity, and the deep bond Zauner shared with her mother. It's an act of keeping her mother's essence, traditions, and love alive through food. |
| Decomposition | Acknowledges the reality of loss, decay, and the natural cycle of life. It signifies the transformation that occurs through grief and the acceptance that some things inevitably change or fade, yet can still yield something new and vital. |
This duality is crucial for Zauner's narrative. Through the act of making and consuming Korean food, especially kimchi, she actively engages in a form of culinary remembrance. It's not merely about recreating dishes but about evoking the presence of her mother and the cultural practices that defined their relationship.
Kimchi as a Bridge Between Worlds
Kimchi acts as a tangible link to Zauner's Korean heritage and her mother. Its preparation becomes a ritual, a way to:
- Connect with Ancestry: Learning and replicating her mother's recipes, particularly for complex dishes like kimchi, is a direct pathway to understanding and embodying her maternal lineage.
- Process Grief: The physical act of chopping, seasoning, and fermenting offers a therapeutic outlet for her overwhelming sadness, transforming raw ingredients into something meaningful and sustained, much like grief itself transforms.
- Honor Legacy: By mastering these culinary arts, Zauner ensures that her mother's traditions and the love shared through food persist beyond physical presence. It's a way of making peace with loss while continuing to celebrate life.
Ultimately, kimchi encapsulates the bittersweet journey of grief – the desire to preserve every memory while confronting the inevitable process of letting go and finding new forms of connection. It highlights how food, especially culturally significant dishes, can become a powerful vehicle for memory, identity, and healing.
[Food as Memory]
