Culture of Yazd

Culture of Yazd

Taste as Identity: Examining the Traditional Production Methods and Cultural Dimensions of Nabat Consumption in Yazd

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fariba Seddighi 1
Mosareza Gharbi 2
Sajede Mirshamsi 3
1 Assistant professor of Anthropology and Demography, Yazd University
2 Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Hakim Sabzevari University; Sabzevar, Iran
3 BA student of social planning at Hakim Sabzevari University
10.22034/fyazd.2024.450888.1104
Abstract
Food plays a crucial role in shaping human identity and fostering group
differentiation. This extends to taste preferences, where communities often
define themselves through their shared appreciation for specific flavors. This
study investigates the case of Yazd, Iran, and its unique relationship with
nabat, a traditional hard candy. Employing ethnographic methods like
observation, interviews, and documentary analysis, the research explores
both the historical origins and cultural significance of nabat consumption in
Yazd. Evidence suggests nabat production dates back to the Sassanian era.
Furthermore, the study identifies seven primary contexts for nabat
consumption: as a warming remedy, pain reliever, stress reliever, element in
wedding ceremonies (Nabat plays a role in Yazdi wedding ceremonies,
symbolizing sweetness and good fortune for the couple), historical form of
barter, source of energy, and apotropaic measure. Nabat consumption is
sometimes practiced as a way to ward off bad luck or evil influences.
Keywords
Taste
Sweet Taste
Candie
Rock candi
Yazd

Subjects

 
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