An Ethnographic Study of Dessert Culture in the Tenth Lunar Month Festival

Abstract

Consumption practices related to desserts can be based on and influenced by many factors, including religious and spiritual beliefs, local wisdom, traditions, politics, economy, and sociocultural identities of communities. This article presents research findings on a group of special desserts used in the Tenth Lunar Month Festival in Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand. The study drew upon ethnographic fieldwork related to the production, consumption, and use of these traditional desserts in ceremonies during this festival. The findings reveal that the community’s positive perceptions, values, and attitudes, as well as the evolving practices related to these desserts are linked to their sociocultural spirituality, way of life, and local economy. Recently, there has been a concerted effort to revive and maintain the festival and its related dessert culture through public and private partnerships. In addition, there is a need to support local tourism and local businesses in integrating cultural events, so that this festival and the dessert culture will continue to be sustained and appreciated by generations to come.