Bento box is a craze among kids now! The word bento is derived from Japanese language meaning lunch box.

Bento box is not a new product as the origin of Bento took place somewhere in the fifth century. However, these boxes have come in fashion lately in  most parts of the world.

A short glimpse at the bento box history reveals that these boxes have been popular in Japan, since a very long time. The Japanese street vendors sell bento boxes containing  yummy food preparations even today.

Fifth century- In the fifth century, the portable meals called bento were carried by  Japanese men when they went  fishing and hunting. Bento box history states that the meals then comprised of white rice, millets and potatoes.

Edo period (1603-1868) – Bento box history divulges that during the Edo Period (1603-1868) Japan saw a major change in presentation and consumption of food. More stress was paid on these during this period resulting in the popularirty of the bento box. Besides, a different type of bento box was also made for the theatre freaks. These boxes enabled them to have their meals while enjoying the theatre shows. The travelers carried waist bento also called koshibento in Japanese. The food then consisted of rice with sesame seeds and side dishes, wrapped in bamboo boxes. During this period  the  bento box for special celebrations evolved. These bento meals were especially prepared for tea ceremonies and for  special guests.

Kamakura period (1185 - 1333) - During this time, dried meals also known as hoshi-ii became very popular. The meal comprised of cooked and dried rice, which was carried in a small bag.

Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600) - As per the bento box history, wooden bento boxes came into existence during this time.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) - The railway system of Japan came into existence during this period. During this time, ekiben also came into the picture. These were the lunch boxes which were sold at railway stations and contained local foods. These railway bento boxes are still very popular at Japan’s railway stations. It was during this time that European bento boxes were made. These boxes contained sandwiches.

Taisho Period (1912 - 1926) – A new bento box came into existence during this time. Boxes made of aluminum were made during the Taisho period. These boxes were considered luxury items. At the time of World War, Japan witnessed crop failure which resulted in massive differences between rich and poor. Bento box were one of the targets and they were abolished as they created differences between school going children. The bento box history reveals that the popularity of these boxes was shaken after the Second World War due to the differences it portrayed between the higher and lower society.

The bento box, however, again came into picture in 1980s. The new bento boxes were now made of polystyrene and plastic and were microwave safe. The parents now had the ease of reheating the contents.

Today, bento boxes are found in different shapes and materials. There are designer bento boxes and these boxes meet the needs of all age groups.

 Image credit- examiner.com