Most superstitions related to eating have been forgotten today, although our ancestors took them very seriously. Leaving dirty plates and cutlery on the table after a meal is asking for problems. Especially if you put the latter directly on the table top.
In ancient beliefs, such a gesture was not just a sign of sloppiness or bad manners. It was perceived as lack of respect for the place that was considered the heart of the home: a place to meet, talk and share with family. It was believed that this insult could have unpleasant consequences for all household members.
Great-grandmothers in villages used to believe that dirty plates left on the table after finishing a meal attract bad luck. They cause stagnation and take away prosperity, inhibiting the flow of what is good. Especially if they were not washed before dark.
It was at the table that people prayed and shared bread, so this place had an almost sacred meaning for our ancestors. It had to be taken care of and kept tidy, because if it was left untidy, it would keep money away from the house. Mess could also have a negative impact on the quality of relationships.
Even worse is supposedly leaving spoons, forks or knives scattered around directly on the table, because they can “interrupt” harmony at home. If you put them on the counter, you may lead to quarrels and unnecessary gossip. Our grandmothers also believed that if someone puts the cutlery anywhere, they will soon leave the house in sudden, not very pleasant circumstances.
The biggest mistake you can make, however, is to place a knife on the table with the blade facing a specific person. This behavior will quickly lead to an unpleasant conversation and push prosperity away from your family member. So you better be careful if you don’t want to get into trouble for both of you.
