Abstract
This paper considers the purposes and meanings of two long-established food gifting practices: the exchange of gifting souvenirs or “local foods” to others when traveling known in the Philippine language as “Pasalubong” and the Greek tradition of food sharing or “Taperakia.” As part of a larger continuing exploration of the purposes and meanings of food gifting the research demonstrates a variety of goals of gifting, including creating a sense of community and belonging, providing a way of including and educating trusted outsiders, signaling respect for shared history and culture, fulfilling social obligations and establishing relationship hierarchies. The rules of food gifting can be complicated and even unspoken. Through interviews with locals in the Philippines and Greece, the research considers: What is appropriate? What might offend? How do these two examples illustrate the power of culinary messaging and the ability of these practices to evolve? How have the traditions evolved to suit contemporary lifestyles?
Presenters
Constance KirkerAssistant Professor, Retired, Department of Integrative Arts, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Culture, Values, Identity, Hierarchies, Identify, Relationships
