"Fingers were made before forks." When a person gives up good manners, puts aside knife and fork, and dives into his food, someone is likely to repeat that saying.
The fork was an ancient agricultural tool, but for centuries no one thought of eating with it. Not until the eleventh century, when a young lady from Constantinople brought her fork to Italy, did the custom reach Europe.
By the fifteenth century the use of the fork was widespread in Italy. The English explanation was that Italians did not like eating food touched with fingers, "seeing all men's fingers are not alike clean." English travelers kept their friends laughing while describing this ridiculous Italian custom.
Anyone who used a fork to eat with was laughed at in England for the next hundred years. Men who used forks were thought to be woman-like, and women who used them were called show-off and overnice. Not until the late 1600s did using a fork become a common custom.
13.How did the custom of eating with a fork begin in Europe?
It was brought to Europe by travelers from America.
It was brought to Europe by a young lady from Constantinople.
Italians changed an agriculture tool into a fork.
14.By the fifteenth century where were forks used?
All over Europe. In England. All over Italy.
15.How did the use of forks seem to English travelers in Italy?
Clever. Ridiculous. Overnice.
16.In England how were people who used forks considered?
Overnice.
Well-mannered.
Show-off and woman-like.
Americans eat breakfast and lunch quickly unless it is a social, business or family occasion. The evening meal is usually longer and a time for families to gather together. Rushing through daytime meals is part of the fast pace in America. Another reason for rushing through daytime meals is that many people eat in restaurants that are
