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State Banquet.--Serving the Peacock.--Facsimile of a woodcut in an edition of Virgil, folio, published at Lyons in 1517.

A Chinese painting of an outdoor banquet, from the era of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

A banquet is a large public meal or feast, complete with main courses and desserts. It usually serves a purpose, such as a charitable gathering, a ceremony, or a celebration, often preceded or followed by speeches in honor of someone.

[edit] History of the banquet

Banquets have been used as a formal occasion for thousands of years. Kings during medieval times frequently threw banquets for special events, such as birthdays or holidays. Some banquets are used to signing a treaty or agreement of some sort.

[edit] Sports banquets

On occasion, sports associations will throw a banquet as an attempt to enhance team chemistry or to relax the players and/or coaches. Sometimes banquets are given as a awards at the end of the season.

[edit] Business banquets

Business banquets are a popular way to strengthen bonds between businessmen and their partners.

[edit] Conference banquets

It is common that a banquet is organized at the end of an academic conference.

[edit] Luau

A luau is one variety of banquet originally used in Hawaii.

[edit] Banquet tax

The Nei Mongol provincial government in China levies a tax on banquets.

[edit] See also

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