Why you can't eat with a knife: explaining the meaning of the sign

The age-old prohibition against eating with a knife has been passed down from generation to generation. Although many people have come across this folk belief, not everyone understands its origin or the consequences of breaking this rule. This was reported by SSPDaily.

A logical explanation: why you can't eat from the tip of a knife

From an early age, we are warned about the consequences of eating directly from the tip of a knife. However, few people think about the reasons for this prohibition.

First of all, eating from the tip of a knife can cause physical harm. Although a cut on the tongue or lip may not seem too threatening in today's world of available treatment and disinfection, it was a serious danger in the past. Thus, the ban arose as a logical measure of protection.

Another legitimate concern is the issue of hygiene. Given that the knife is a tool for cutting food, eating directly from this tool seems unhygienic. Choosing a fork or spoon for tasting food provides better sanitary conditions.

Beliefs.

The knife plays an important role in sacrificial rituals. In ancient times, it was undesirable for those who participated in sacred rites to use a knife.

In addition, it was believed that licking the knife was a flirtation with the spiritual world that could anger the otherworldly forces. Therefore, knives were to be used exclusively for culinary purposes and rituals.

According to beliefs, eating with a knife means not only fearlessness but also an attempt to intimidate other people. Among our ancestors, there was a fear that someone who dared to eat from the tip of a knife might be prone to evil intent.

The ancestors believed that eating with a knife could evoke supernatural forces that could endow a person with negative qualities and evil.

In addition, it was believed that the practice of eating exclusively with a knife was associated with primitive people who greedily pursued their prey, demonstrating aggressive behavior.

Other beliefs related to the ban

Another belief claimed that eating with a knife could "cut off" the intellect, leading to a decrease in mental acuity. Worried about the intellectual development of their children, parents traditionally forbade them to eat directly from the tip of a knife.

And women, guided by old beliefs, refrained from eating with a knife. They feared that it could bring bad luck to their families by encouraging their partners to commit vices such as excessive alcohol consumption or infidelity.