Browsing by Subject "Ruokamuisto"

This study examines home related food memories. Previous research on this subject shows that senses and emotions play significant role in creating and re-creating food memories. This is due to shared neural and mnemonic connections of the emotions and senses in the brain. Food memories can also be embodied transmitting tacit knowledge. With them one can create and express own roots and self-image. Food memories are a part of collective memory and they can create polytemporal experiences. This study considered home related food memories because home is a central place for the formation of food memories. The aim of this study was to reveal the ingredients of home related food memories and to scrutinise how home appears in texts sent to www-pages of Ruoka-Kalevala. Ruoka-Kalevala is a project of Marttaliitto, S-group and The Finnish Literature Society. The data consists of 39 texts which were analysed by content analysis. This study is based on oral history methodology. This material emphasized that food memories reflect common societal development and urbanisation. Migration from rural societies to cities and the sense of belonging to one’s roots stood out from data. Also descriptions of the various regional food cultures in Finland were crucial. Based on the data of the study, home was seen in a positive and even a nostalgic light. Most of the food memories were located in childhood homes. Home economics education could benefit connection between senses and food memories for example when studied food traditions or in social integration of immigrants. Oral history research focus on subjects that are mundane and personal. Therefore it can well benefit home economics studies.