Feminist Cheese in Spain

Is this Uniquely Shaped Cheese an early form of Anti-body-shaming?

As we celebrate another International Women’s Day, food is usually not what comes to mind. After centuries of women slaving away in the kitchen, I want to focus on a certain food that uplifted (no pun intended) their significance.

Queso Tetilla, or in English “small breast cheese,” is exactly what you are picturing- cheese in the shape of a boob. This is not a gag gift or something you would find at a bachelor’s party, rather, it is actually the common cheese eaten in Galicia, Spain.

Image of Queso Tetila

Casasimarro, Spain (1-29-23; Dani brought this back from a business trip)

So, why on Earth is there boob cheese in the first place? Is it another way our world objectifies? On the contrary, it was an early form of standing up for women.

When the “Portico da Gloria” section of the Cathedral of Santiago was originally constructed in the late 1100s, architect and sculptor Master Mateo created statues to represent the biblical figures Queen Esther and Daniel*. However, at a closer look, legend has it that Daniel’s figure appeared to smile mischievously at Esther’s rather large breasts. 

Queen Esther is on the left and Daniel is on the right. The picture below shows more of a “mischievous” look.

Photos from: “Quincemil” El Espanol

https://www.elespanol.com/quincemil/articulos/cultura/la-sonrisa-que-origino-uno-de-los-mayores-manjares-de-galicia-el-queso-tetilla

*Note: Daniel is not mentioned in Esther’s story. Daniel is known for the “lion’s den” story, and would have lived in the 6th Century B.C.

This “comical” art scene did not go unnoticed by the town’s residents, nor the church’s clergy. The bishop at the time (unknown) was allegedly disgusted with the image and decided to have the breast size of the figure reduced. Consequently, a large portion of the town was outraged. Defending the artist, and women’s breasts, local cheesemakers began producing cheese in the shape of a mammary gland. Their actions were not only an early form of criticizing the church, but an early act of speaking out for respect of women’s bodies.

Although the accuracy of this story remains in question, my hope is to apply its theme to today. In honor of this special holiday, we are reminded of how far we have come as a society in terms of achieving and promoting women’s rights. Despite these victories, harassment, inequality, sexualization, and disrespect still flood the pathways of a woman’s life.

In light of this topic, I encourage you to share your thoughts with me! Was the artist objectifying Esther with the depicted “humorous” artwork? Perhaps similar to the leg lamp in A Christmas Story. Or, was it a form of empowering women, as chest size should not matter? The townspeople could have been defending the artwork as an early form of protesting body shaming.

*For some more fun: Thoughts on the way the United States would handle this cheese? Would its manufacturing be censored? Or perhaps serve as a promotion during breast cancer awareness month?

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Queen Esther’s Story

For centuries, both Catholic and Protestant churches downplayed the role of women. This international women’s day, I want to honor Queen Esther, because there are countless heroic women included in the Bible, as well as the early church, who are rarely discussed. The Lord uses both men and women to perform his good works, so we need to highlight both. Here is Esther’s story:

Esther was a Jew living amidst the Persian Empire in the 5th Century B.C. After losing both of her parents, she was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. As she got older, she found favor with King Xerxes and the two were married, establishing Esther as queen.

At this point in history, the queen would not have been permitted to go in front of her husband unless requested. However, Esther bravely defied this rule, risking her life, when she learned of a concerning matter. Mordecai, after refusing to bow before the leader Haman, was punished with the threat of death for not only himself, but his entire people. He begged Esther to ask for King Xerxes help, which would put her own life in danger.

As Esther listened to Mordecai’s distress, she replied,

“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4: 15-16, ESV

What sheer courage Esther expressed! To willingly put her life on the line out of desperation of saving others- remarkable. To briefly summarize the end, Esther valiantly stood before the king and requested his help. He agreed and in doing so, the Jews were saved. It is truly mind-blowing how God works through His people- especially women. Through His strength, Esther held the power to break a very important law, without consequence, and save countless lives.

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If you are ever fortunate to visit Spain and try queso tetilla, I encourage you to reflect on Esther’s bravery. Think back to all of the powerful Jewish and Christian women who evangelized and saved lives. Take hope as we continue to empower women and enjoy a delicious Spanish delicacy.