The expression "breaking bread" usually refers to the act of sitting down together to emotionally connect and enjoy a meal. Today, most of us tend to slice bread rather than break it, so while this term is still widely-used, its origins aren't as well-known, and actually have to do with two of the world's biggest religions: Judaism and Christianity.

The ritual of breaking bread began in early Judaism, since in the scripture, God gave the law to Moses to break 12 loaves on the Sabbath. Jewish law prohibited using knives on the Sabbath, and the bread of ancient times was also far harder than the bread of today, so breaking it was the only way it could be shared amongst a group.

Breaking bread later featured in Christianity when Jesus dined with his disciples, and breaking bread and sharing it was an integral part of their gatherings. The Bible is where the famous phrase "It's hard to remain enemies when you've broken bread together" is derived, and the sentiment carries through to modern secular mentalities.

The aforementioned phrase "It's hard to remain enemies when you've broken bread together" has become a deeply personal and societal sentiment. When taken at its word, the phrase suggests uniting after being apart and is especially linked to family, as we most frequently (but perhaps not literally) break bread with those related to us.