The changing cultural meanings of the 'Engagement tray' in Çankırı

This study, grounded in cultural values, examines the purpose of the engagement tray in our social lives and the semantic transformations it has undergone from the past to the present. Engagement ceremonies have been in a continuous state of change throughout history, and this study specifically draws attention to this shift in the context of Çankırı. Highlighting whether traditions contribute to the engagement tray becoming a symbol, this research is supported by the Symbolic Interactionism theory, which originates from Simmel, and the Conspicuous Consumption theory, traceable back to Veblen. The primary aim is to reveal how the engagement tray is interpreted in Çankırı culture, based on the question: 'Is the engagement tray used as a traditional cultural element or as a popular consumption commodity?' A qualitative research method was chosen for this study, employing the semi-structured interview technique. Interviews were conducted both face-to-face and online. The research universe was defined as the province of Çankırı, and the sample consisted of 16 recently engaged individuals. Keywords: Culture, Family, Engagement, Engagement Tray, Symbolic İnteractionism