Food in merit-making ceremonies of Thai-Mon descendants and Mon workers: A case study on food of Sao Kradong Mon community, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The article aims to examine food culture between Thai-Mon descendants and Mon workers at Ban Sao Kradong, Bang Pa-in District,
Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province on Asalha Puja Day and Buddhist Lent Day. Interviews and participant observation were used.

The study found that the settling-down period of the two groups is an important factor resulting in differences in their foods. Thai-Mon descendants have settled down in Thailand for hundreds of years while the other group has just migrated into Thailand for 1 - 15 years. On Asalha Puja Day and Buddhist Lent Day, differenced of foods which the two groups brought for merit-making at the temple were observed. The Mon workers still preserve their tradition foods for merit-making ceremonies very well. On the contrary, the Mon people who have settled in Thailand for a long time had combined their food to Central Thai food. Nevertheless, the two groups of Mon also enjoy consuming rosella and chulta in their everyday life and still make Khao Chae for Songkarn Festival.