When you can’t eat with a fork

A fork is a necessary, but not always appropriate cutlery. Unfortunately, not everyone knows about the traditions and elementary rules of etiquette. And they continue to use it, demonstrating a bad tone. To prevent this from happening to you, we will tell you when you should not ask the hostess or waiter for a plug.

Funeral Table: Forks Forbidden

Many traditions have deepest roots and from this many of our contemporaries seem incomprehensible. Why, for example, at a dinner in honor of a deceased person they serve only a spoon? Indeed, there will be no sharp objects at the wake.

Initially, people had a memorial dinner right above the grave. Over time, this ritual was moved to the table. Interesting that the church does not prohibit the use of a fork and knife for funeral. However, so far only a spoon can be found on the memorial table. Where did this tradition come from? There are several reasons for this.

The funeral menu did not require a fork

The first version is quite logical. The meal consisted of three dishes: kutya, pancakes and jelly. To eat kutya, a spoon was needed. Pancakes were taken with hands. And for the third one, only a glass was needed. The fork and knife were missing on the table as unnecessary.

reference. Kutia is porridge made from wheat (later rice) and honey.

Sharp objects could hurt the soul

The second version is rooted in paganism. At that time, it was customary to leave all piercing and cutting objects outside the premises where they held a memorial meal. Esotericists later explained it this way. Sharp objects can hurt the soul, which is at the wake near the table.

The sign of "devilry"

The third version also reached us through the millennia. In ancient times, forks were also considered demonic because they resembled the trident of the devil.

In Russia, forks began to appear during the reign of Peter I, who brought this innovation from Europe. By the way, the common people believed that the king wanted to destroy their souls, and completely rejected these devices.

So that the wake does without injuries

In addition, do not forget about household brawls. The distribution of property could begin right at the memorial table, especially if the deceased was wealthy.

In this case, the absence of sharp-cutting objects at the table significantly reduced the likelihood of serious injuries and deaths.

As you can see, our ancestors had enough reasons to prohibit the forks at the wake. And we don’t eat them during the funeral dinner, continuing the tradition. We are doing this, most likely, paying tribute to the memory of previous generations.

When else do you need to postpone the plug

Wake is not the only case when you have to do without a plug. When you are in a restaurant or away, you should not always reach for this cutlery. But now it all depends on the dishes served.

First course

Of course, first of all, first courses should be noted. They are eaten exclusively with a spoon. It’s not enough for anyone to use a plug; it’s just uncomfortable and impractical.

Soft-boiled egg

It is unlikely that you will order an egg in a restaurant. But for breakfast at the hotel you can well get it. Soft-boiled egg is often served on special stands. You need to gently break the top with a teaspoon and eat it with it. Quail eggs are usually held with your hands.

Reference. For omelet or fried eggs use forks.

Meat, game

When serving meat dishes try to use cutlery to the maximum. The exception is game (hazel grouse, partridge). Her allowed to eat with hands. The main thing - do not forget to rinse your fingers after a meal or wipe them with a napkin.

Seafood

Be careful when ordering seafood: crab, lobster and shrimp. Handling a crab shell with a fork is at least inconvenient. You will look stupid and inappropriate.

It can be used after you finish cutting.

Dessert

Some desserts use a teaspoon. A sharp appliance is inappropriate here! These dishes include ice cream, soft desserts and mousses.

As you can see, there are few rules prohibiting the use of sharp cutlery. This means that you do not have to blush, reaching for the fork when its use is not intended.

Watch the video: The Right Way to Use Your Fork and Knife (March 2024).

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