Unique Eating Tools : How do you eat food? With a spoon by hand or by a knife-thread. Food is actually not just a matter of taste and nutrition … behind it is cultural heritage and ancient traditions. Food in India is considered as the blessing of God. The grain is called Brahma. We have a tradition of eating by hand for centuries. Eating hand food here holds religious and cultural significance, while in different parts of the world, food is eaten according to the culture and tradition.
This world is very big and it is equally wide, ways and beliefs of living life. Somewhere a spoon, knife, fork are used to eat and somewhere of chopstick. All these have now become prevalent here. But apart from these, such different and interesting tools are used to eat food … which can be a matter of surprise for us. Come, today we know some similar traditions to food.
Eating by hand in India is not just a habit, but a deep cultural and spiritual tradition. According to Ayurveda, touching food with fingers gives an idea of its texture, temperature and freshness… which improves digestion. In the Hindu tradition, eating with right hand is considered auspicious, as it is a symbol of giving and receiving. Those who eat by hand believe that the enjoyment of breaking the bread and eating with lentils or vegetables cannot be found in a spoon.
Spoon, knife and fork are an integral part of the dining table in western countries. In medieval Europe, people used to eat only knives and hands … but in the 16th century, the thorn made its place on the dining table. Today in France, round spoon for soup, thorn for pasta in Italy and sharp knife for cutting steak are common tools.
Chopsticks in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam are not just a tool … but also a symbol of art and etiquette. The 3000-year-old tradition started from China, where eating two thin sticks of bamboo was used to catch in small pieces. Catching chopsticks properly in Japan and putting on the table is part of etiquette. One can understand the fun of eating noodles or sushi with chopsticks who have tried it.
In African countries like Ethiopia, people break the injera (a sour flatbread) by handing it to the hand and eaten dal or stu. Eating in collective plate here is a symbol of family and unity of the community. In the Middle East, especially in Arab countries, it is common to eat humus, kebabs or stew with pieces of bread with right hand. In some places, spoon is used only for soup or yogurt.
Coconut shells or dried pumpkins are used as a spoon or bowl in Pacific islands and parts of India. These natural and biodegradable tools reflect a sense of respect for the environment.
New Zealand, Australia and Caribbean islands use oyster shells like a spoon, especially for seafood such as oyster or clam. These shells are both decorative and useful.
In Thailand, Laos and Malaysia, bamboo leaves are bended or wood carved scoops, which are eaten rice, soup or curry.
In the North American community and Norway, soup or stew is eaten from spoon made of animal horns. They reflect hunt and deep relations with nature.
Mongolia and Kazakhstan are used to eat small spatula or spoon yogurt, soup or meat made of wood or bones. These nomadic are ideal for life.
In India, Sri Lanka and Trinidad, the leaves are used like bowls, plates or spoons. These leaves add mild taste to food and are completely natural.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on information obtained from various sources. We do not confirm it.)
