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Wakes are a very important part of the ritual of saying goodbye to a person who has left us. Unfortunately, each of us faces this sad moment to one degree or another, writes Unian.
The memorial dinner has its own rules, which also apply to setting the table. Everyone who has ever been to a wake has noticed that there are always spoons on the table, but usually there are no forks and knives.
Why do people eat with spoons at a funeral - folk signs
On the day when the deceased is buried, a lunch is traditionally held to honor his memory, to remember his good deeds and pleasant life stories. In addition, it is customary to speak only good things about the deceased.
On the day of the funeral, only spoons are placed on the table. This tradition has several explanations, but the church does not directly prohibit the use of other cutlery.
Folk wisdom says that a knife is not placed on the table on the day of the funeral, because the soul can slip and fall immediately into hell. In addition, the fork is supposed to resemble a devil's tail.
It is also believed that if you cut and stab food during a memorial meal, you can harm the soul of the deceased. It is worth noting that in ancient times, those who violate this rule were counted even among the helpers of the Devil himself.
Why people eat with spoons at a memorial dinner - a simple answer
It is not customary to use forks and knives not only at dinner on the day of the funeral. At wakes for nine and forty days, as well as six months and a year, only spoons can be found on the table. This rule can be explained by the fact that our ancestors simply did not have other cutlery.
There is another logical explanation related to greed. At wakes, they eat with spoons, because knives and forks can injure you. Unfortunately, not everyone can forget old grudges and disagreements even at such a sad moment. In this regard, to avoid trouble, sharp cutlery was not placed on the table.
