Deki Yangzom BA Anthropology Royal Thimphu College Food and Culture: Changes, Continuities, and Changing Continuities in Bhutan Deki Yangzom BA Anthropology Royal Thimphu College

Traditional Way of Eating Food in Bhutanese Family

1. The motif of seating arrangements driglam namzha Those who eat jointly are traditionally expected to sit in a circle and cross-legged on the floor Silence is to be maintained while eating The head of the family is served first and no one can stand up and leave until all the members of the family finishes their food Traditional seating and serving arrangements reveal and reproduce clear kinship and gender hierarchies that are reflective of wider societal arrangements

Changes and Changing Continuities The seating position and style has changed Especially in urban areas the so-called western-style dining table has become widespread The form and functioning of many modern institutions are not conducive to the strict adherence of zhacha dorsum Individualized eating pattern are on the rise and relatively ‘self- serving’ Silence is no longer maintained However, traditions tend to be more closely adhered when guests are attended to.

Food Offering Prayers

2.The offering of “Tomchoe” Meaning and practice of Tomchoe Offering to the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha The spiritual pervades traditional Bhutanese eating etiquette and is long socially normative Eating meals at the crossroads of the ‘Profane’ and the ‘Sacred’

Changing Continuities Tomchoe and Phue continues to be practiced but less among youngsters and in urbanized, modern settings It has ceased to be ritually and socially expected only during special occasions Example: Rimdro at Royal Thimphu College .

3.Eating Utensils Traditionally food were cooked in earthen wares and eaten by hands Toray Dapa and Bangchung Eating Utensils as a reflection of Bhutanese skills in arts and crafts

Contemporary change Traditional utensils is replaced by modern tools such as plates, spoon, fork, chopstick, knifes, etc Most of us use western cutlery Dishes are cooked using LPG gas, rice cooker and other electronic machines

1.Bangchung 2.Dapa

4.Earthenware “Thab” 3.Earthen pot

Changing Continuities Traditional utensils continue to be present in most households, but primarily serve as decorative purposes Chinese-style bowls and western-style cutlery have become commonplace In modern institutions, including Royal Thimphu College, meals are served in large steel plates

4. The meaning of alcohol in Bhutanese culture The Meaning and Practice of Ara “Ara” is the local term for the alcohol in Bhutan Consumption of ara traditionally facilitated and symbolized the creation and nourishing of social relations Types of Alcohol- Sinchang, Bangchang, Tongpa, Ara Serkem Marchang “Bhutanese archery is probably the only sport in the world today where drinking is allowed during the game” Choden(2008)

Example: Ara and Traditional Courtship Jomo Ngengi: Ama Jomo’s Marriage Custom of Merak and Sakteng (L. Dorji 2003) Steps of traditional courtship and marriage: Childhood Betrothal (Chung-ngen) The drinks of ask-acceptance(Trungchang) The middle drinks(Barchang) Bride Send-off(Bagmatonglen) Giving of the Brides Inheritance and Gifts(Bumgi Yongdang and Phag)

1.Local “Ara” 2.Imported Liquor

Contemporary changes Alcohol symbolized wealth in the past as its brewing presupposed the availability of surplus in grains The expensive and labour-intensive process of its production may explain its elevated status as an offering While Ara is still preferred by many, today there is widespread availability of ‘cheap’ and imported liquor Dual Development: alcoholism is increasingly a social problem yet at a societal level it appears that many Bhutanese drink on fewer occasions compared to the past

Tashi Delek!