Abstract
Given the centrality of food and food traditions in all human actions and inter-actions, this research focuses specifically on how the innate and universal human preference for sweets/candy manifests itself in varied and diverse religious practices and traditions, which, in turn, create and define group identity. Sweets function both symbolically and practically in the “culinary philosophies” of each of four major religions to be considered here: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Examples include:Buddhist monks are credited with spreading the process of refining sugarcane from India to China. Egg yolk based “Convent sweets” were produced by Catholic nuns throughout the Spanish colonial empire, which continue to be produced and sold from the Philippines to Mexico, as well as convents in Spain itself. While there are common historical and contemporary meanings and purposes for the various uses of sweets in these four, there are also many traditions that are quite unique to each particular faith, establishing distinct and diverse group identities. Yet, it is the nature of sweets/candy- their universal desirability, portability, and accessibility- that often creates opportunities for these diverse identities to be shared with, and even understood, by others.
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
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
Identity, Culture, Traditions
