Paper Short Abstract:

This paper explores Latvian family food rituals as unwritten, multi-sensory practices. It examines how these rituals reflect diverse values, identities, and relationships, focusing on the complexities of family dynamics, food decision-making, and evolving food systems.

Paper Abstract:

Food rituals in this study are viewed as both deliberate and habitual practices that create unwritten, multi-sensory narratives, reflecting values, identities, and relationships. In Latvian families, these rituals, influenced by ecological, social, psychological, cultural, and economic factors, function as dynamic communication systems beyond textual expression.

Building on insights into family food decision-making, the study examines food rituals as an interplay between individual preferences, shared goals, and contextual limitations. The research employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, participant observations, and digital ethnography, to investigate food practices in rural and urban Latvian households. Interviews capture personal narratives and intergenerational stories, while participant observations focus on the preparation and sharing of meals in everyday and celebratory contexts. Digital ethnography highlights how food rituals extend into digital spaces.

Key processes such as food acquisition, preparation, and meal sharing are explored as essential components of family food routines. These routines adapt to changing socioeconomic and cultural contexts, balancing household priorities, economic resources, and personal preferences to maintain harmony at mealtimes.

This study demonstrates how sensory interactions—taste, smell, and touch—shape family food rituals and reveal their multi-dimensional nature. By analyzing these practices, the research highlights the capacity of unwritten rituals to foster inclusive and sustainable food systems, offering new perspectives on food quality, equity, and resilience.