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18th-Century Naples, The Workers' Bread
In 18th-century Naples, porters and fishermen at the bustling port needed quick meals during their short lunch breaks. This led to the creation of a simple, commoner's dish: a round dough, baked in a brick oven with whatever ingredients were at hand. Early toppings were minimal, typically limited to garlic, lard, salt, and basil. It was designed to be eaten without cutlery, simply folded and consumed by hand, making it a practical and efficient meal for the working class.
Tomatoes, Suspected Poison
Tomatoes were brought to Europe by 16th-century Spain from Peru. For centuries, plants of the Solanaceae family were traditionally classified as poisonous, and tomatoes were no exception. Furthermore, the acidity of tomato juice reacted with the pewter plates commonly used by the wealthy, leaching lead and causing genuine lead poisoning, which further solidified the belief in their toxicity. For nearly 200 years, European nobility avoided tomatoes. Only the impoverished people of Naples consumed them, and it was among them that the iconic red pizza was born.
1889, Queen Margherita's Pizza
In 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. To honor her, the renowned pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito prepared three different pizzas. The Queen's favorite was a simple yet vibrant combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, colors that mirrored the Italian flag. Raffaele Esposito then named this particular creation 'Margherita' in her honor. This moment marked a significant turning point, as a humble food traditionally associated with the poor ascended to the royal table, beginning its journey to global recognition.
Transformation Through Hanja
The Hanja character '昇' (seung) is composed of '日' (il), meaning 'sun,' and '升' (seung), meaning 'a measure.' Together, they convey the image of 'the sun rising by a measure.' This character is found in words like 'ascension,' 'promotion,' and 'sublimation,' all signifying upward movement. This concept perfectly encapsulates the journey of pizza: from a simple street food for port porters, to a dish served at a queen's banquet, and ultimately, to a global culinary staple of the 21st century. The character '昇,' meaning 'to rise,' precisely tells this story of transformation and elevation.
