Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Various Modes Of Eating In Different Countries.
ON THE VARIOUS MODES OF EATING IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES .
THE Maldivian islanders eat alone . They retire into the most secret parts of their houses , and they draw down the cloths that serve as blinds to their windows , that they may eat unobserved . This custom probably arises from the savage , in the early periods of society , concealing himself to eat ; he fears that another , with as sharp an appetite but more strong than himself , should come and ravish his
meal from hini . Beside , the ideas of witchcraft are widely spread among the barbarians ; and they are not a little fearful that some incantation may be thrown amongst their victuals . In noticing the solitary meal of the Maldivian islander ,- another reason may be alledged for this misanthropical repast . They never will eat with any one who is inferior to them in birth , riches , or digand it is difficult matter to settle
nity ; , as a this equality , they are condemned to lead this unsociable life . On the contrary , the islanders of the Philippines are remarkably sociable . Whenever one of them finds himself without a companion to partake of his meal , he runs till he meets with one ; and we are assured , that , however keen his appetite may be , he ventures not to satisfy it without a guest . The tables of the rich Chinese shine with a beautiful varnish , and are covered with silk carpets very elegantly worked . They do not
make use ot plates , knives , or forks : Every guest has two little ivory or ebony sticks , which he handles very adroitly . The Otaheiteans , who are lovers of society , and very gentle in their manners , feed separate from each other . At the hour of repast the members Of each family divide ; two brothers , two sisters , and even husband and wife , have each their respective basket . They place themselves at the distance of two or three yards from each
other , they turn their backs , and takes their meals in profound silence . The custom of drinking at different hours from those assigned for eating , is to be met with amongst many savage nations . It was originally begun from necessity , and soon became a habit . " A people transplanted , " observes an ingenious philosopher , " preserve in another climate modes of living which relate to those whence they oriinall
g y came . It is . thus the Indians of Brazil scrupulously abstain from eating when they drink , and from drinking when they eat . " When neither decency nor politeness are known , the man who invites his friends to a repast is greatly embarrassed to testify his esteem for his guests , and to present them with some amusement ; for the savage guest imposes on him this obligation . Amongst the greater part ofthe American Indians , the host is continually on the watch to solicit them to eat ; but touches . nothing himself , ' In New France .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Various Modes Of Eating In Different Countries.
ON THE VARIOUS MODES OF EATING IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES .
THE Maldivian islanders eat alone . They retire into the most secret parts of their houses , and they draw down the cloths that serve as blinds to their windows , that they may eat unobserved . This custom probably arises from the savage , in the early periods of society , concealing himself to eat ; he fears that another , with as sharp an appetite but more strong than himself , should come and ravish his
meal from hini . Beside , the ideas of witchcraft are widely spread among the barbarians ; and they are not a little fearful that some incantation may be thrown amongst their victuals . In noticing the solitary meal of the Maldivian islander ,- another reason may be alledged for this misanthropical repast . They never will eat with any one who is inferior to them in birth , riches , or digand it is difficult matter to settle
nity ; , as a this equality , they are condemned to lead this unsociable life . On the contrary , the islanders of the Philippines are remarkably sociable . Whenever one of them finds himself without a companion to partake of his meal , he runs till he meets with one ; and we are assured , that , however keen his appetite may be , he ventures not to satisfy it without a guest . The tables of the rich Chinese shine with a beautiful varnish , and are covered with silk carpets very elegantly worked . They do not
make use ot plates , knives , or forks : Every guest has two little ivory or ebony sticks , which he handles very adroitly . The Otaheiteans , who are lovers of society , and very gentle in their manners , feed separate from each other . At the hour of repast the members Of each family divide ; two brothers , two sisters , and even husband and wife , have each their respective basket . They place themselves at the distance of two or three yards from each
other , they turn their backs , and takes their meals in profound silence . The custom of drinking at different hours from those assigned for eating , is to be met with amongst many savage nations . It was originally begun from necessity , and soon became a habit . " A people transplanted , " observes an ingenious philosopher , " preserve in another climate modes of living which relate to those whence they oriinall
g y came . It is . thus the Indians of Brazil scrupulously abstain from eating when they drink , and from drinking when they eat . " When neither decency nor politeness are known , the man who invites his friends to a repast is greatly embarrassed to testify his esteem for his guests , and to present them with some amusement ; for the savage guest imposes on him this obligation . Amongst the greater part ofthe American Indians , the host is continually on the watch to solicit them to eat ; but touches . nothing himself , ' In New France .