Ancestry, festivity, and daily life: eating habits of undergraduate students at a university in southern Brazil

Abstract

The study explored the eating habits and affective memory related to food, ingredients, and preparation methods of meals consumed daily or during festive occasions, such as family gatherings, by students at the State University of Ponta Grossa. An intrinsic relationship between eating, culture, memory, and personality was identified, characterizing food as a fundamental element in constructing both individual and collective identity, capable of connecting people to their roots and family history. The analysis of ingredients and preparations that refer to students’ roots highlights the emotional connection, evidenced by the frequent mention of the words “mother” and “grandmother.” It was shown that changes in eating habits across generations reflect social, cultural, and economic transformations, contributing to the understanding of the complex relationship between food, culture, and memory, while emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional cuisine as a means of maintaining cultural identity and collective memory.