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Chocolat, de boisson à la praline
Mystic chocolate
Chocolate was believed to be of divine origin. This myth goes back to 1000 BC in the
pre-Colombian World. The spicy drink was used by the warriors as a potion of energy in
order to strengthen and reinforce vitality.
Religious chocolate
In Mayas religion chocolate took a place of honour. Rituals accompanied as well
the sowing of the seeds and the harvest. Cocoa was indispensable at consecratory
ceremonies, funerals and rituals of purification and was produced as a sacrifice or gift
in many rituals and myths.
Spicy chocolate
As of 1300 the Aztecs settled down in the Lowlands of nowadays Mexico. They produced
a drink of cocoa seeds, water and spices called Xocoatl. Believing that the Goddess of
Fertility was its guardian, it was served at Court. The Aztec emperor Moctezuma drank up to
50 cups a day or even more if he had some wild intentions with his female entourage.
Evil chocolate
Once the Spaniards subjected the ancient Aztec world, chocolate got quickly known in
the New Catholic World. Spices were replaced by vanilla and sugar but chocolate kept its “evil”
status of pagan origin. Controversy and differences accompanied chocolate during its conquest
of the old continent.
Voluptuous chocolate
In the 18th century, chocolate is considered for a long time an exotic colonial drink reserved
for the Court, clergy and the elite, snobs and businessmen staying in the modern salons of Europe.
The Pioneers period left the image of sensual chocolate, the aphrodisiac virtue was adored.
Popular chocolate
Chocolate held out in spite of the fall of the ancient Regime. The ambiguous image got lost and the
drink became popular amongst the middle classes. Demand increased just like production and export
of cocoa. From that moment on, was hidden behind chocolate, the harsh reality of economic struggle,
colonial exploitation and a bitter competition for market and consumers. Nil nivi sub sole
(nothing new under the sun).
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