“Tom” and “Tupa”: Co-Cultural Desserts and Creative Practices in Contemporary Society

Abstract

This article examines the roles of “Tom” and “Tupa” from a folkloristic perspective in relation to design and creativity within contemporary society. The study drew upon relevant documents, prior research, and fieldwork conducted in Songkhla Province. The findings reveal that Tom or Tupa, traditional confections embedded in the everyday life and cultural practices of both Buddhist and Islamic communities, hold significant folkloric value that reflects the cultural dimensions of the two religions. These roles include the use of folklore to explain the origins and rationale for ritual practices, as well as its function in social education, moral cultivation, and the reinforcement of social norms. In addition, contemporary reinterpretations and creative adaptations of these confections have emerged, serving as innovative means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage to future generations.