If you are left-handed, this rule is a tough one! Can we imagine a body or life without the left hand? If you're left-handed and visiting places like India, Nepal and the Middle East, you may have to . Top 16 Things Not To Do When In Dubai | 16 Dos & Don'ts ... Actions like eating, writing, offering, receiving are reserved for the right hand, and parents take extra care in the upbringing of left handed children to ensure that they use the right hand for these activities. In many places, it is also considered polite to leave a bit of food on one's plate. Much like in India, eating with the left-hand is considered disrespectful, and one should use their thumb and first two fingers to pick up and push food into your mouth. Similarly, it is impolite to pass food or eat with the left hand. the left hand is supposed to be used for bathroom clean up. So the left hand was considered unclean. Poor lefties. health - Dealing with the 'unclean hand' when travelling ... In a world where right-handed people are noticeably more, the bias against left-handers was quite obvious. "Among Muslims, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and considered unclean. For example, in the Middle East and South Africa, crossed legs often show the sole of the foot, a sign of an ill wish or a bad omen. Similar negative associations are also present in other religions. The Rules For Eating With Your Hands In India, Africa And ... Why is the left hand considered unclean in the Arab world ... In Arab countries, the left hand is considered to be "unclean", because it's the one that you wash yourself with after you use the toilet. If you're left-handed and visiting places like India, Nepal and the Middle East . Eating & drinking : Only the right hand is used for eating or passing things. What is considered rude in Ghana? - Across the Sahara How do u say hello in Ghana? In most Arab countries and/or countries influenced by Arab traditions, the left hand is considered "unclean" and is not to play a part in social settings at all. Get link. Although Westerners are used to using both hands in everyday life, it is important to be conscious of using each hand for different activities. Thus, the right hand should be used for eating. Wash your hands before eating or serving food to an Indian. There is some evidence that all of the early great civilizations of the world - from the ancient Mesopotamians to the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans - have been strongly biased towards the right hand. For example in certain beliefs (e.g. The left hand is considered to be unclean in India, as it's used to perform matters associated with going to the bathroom. Left-handedness can be a bit of a taboo in Arab and Muslim countries. When eating rice, it is normal to form the rice into a small ball before placing it in the mouth. In the early Jewish and ANE (Ancient Near East) culture, as well as today in most Arab countries, the left hand is used for all dirty things, like wiping after visiting the bathroom, and the right hand is used for eating and greeting people. Re: The Left Hand by naijadiva2 ( f ): 10:42pm On Oct 27, 2007. 5. If you're left-handed and visiting places like India, Nepal and the Middle East, you may have to pretend to be ambidextrous - it's incredibly rude to eat, pick anything up or hand over money with your left. For example, in the operating room, things must be clean, and that has a very rigid, strict interpretation—to be as free as possible from all . The left hand performs tasks that are dirty and unclean. Culturally speaking, the left hand is unclean. Although Westerners are used to using both hands in everyday life, it is important to be conscious of using each hand for different activities. In Indian culture, the left hand is considered unclean because it is the hand used when going to the bathroom, for cleaning one's feet and other "dirty" activities. Why is the left hand considered unclean? The left hand The left hand is considered unclean and thus is not eaten with, nor is it used to give or receive items from. In Ghana, there is a general taboo on left-hand use. Avoid touching people with the left hand, as it is considered unclean and will cause insult. " A significant portion of the people also considers pointing by the left hand to be rude. Personal hygiene rules in Islam requires this, as derived from hadith sources. The word "clean" has a lot of different meanings today depending upon the context in which it is used. Avoid using your left hand if you are encouraged to eat with your hands. But as many Thais are left handed, and there isn't as much forced right-handedness here, the dirty left isn't so repulsive as in Malay culture, for example. Answer (1 of 9): This is not just an "Arabic thing", but was a standard part of Ancient Greek and Roman hygiene rules, which became common throughout Europe. People who are left-handed are at greater risk of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, according to a 2013 Yale University study. In many parts of the world, the left hand is considered unclean, usually because it's used for "ablutions". In Indonesia, it is rude and offensive to hand someone something with your left hand, especially food or drink, or to shake hands with your left hand. . Before sitting down to eat, two water bowls will be placed in front of you for washing your hands before and after the meal. Have a look at our range of fully left-handed items to see how we can help solve the problems.. Left-handers do tend to do badly whenever there is any talk of superstition or things that cannot be understood. For centuries, individuals have been in search for the answers to why people prefer left- hand over the right- hand and why the left- hand is such a minority. Jimi Hendrix's father felt that being left-handed was a sign of the devil and refused to let his son get a proper left-handed guitar (Paul McCartney used one) or even one visibly restrung for the left hand (as Hendrix used in later life, and this is what most music shops here advise lefthanders to do). For this and other reasons, the left hand is considered unclean and carries a cultural stigma. If you are eating from a communal tagine, eat with your right hand only. Either way, it is considered offensive to eat with your left hand, and in most Middle East countries tourists are strongly advised to be careful or risk offense. Throughout history, it was common practice to use the left hand in the restroom to clean oneself, keeping the right hand sanitary for shaking hands and eating. It is a curious quirk of human nature that most of us (90%) prefer using our right hand, Thus people will tend to avoid putting a nice, expensive watch on their "unclean" hand. Whether grabbing a burger in the food court at the Dubai Mall, splurging at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or enjoying something in between, you should never . To sum up what the scholars have said about the reasons why the right hand is preferred for things that are noble: 1-That is differing from the shaytaan, as in the case of eating and drinking. In many Muslim parts of the world, in parts of Africa as well as in India, the left hand is considered the dirty hand and it's considered offensive to offer that hand to anyone, even to help . Eating Food With Your Left Hand (India): In America, we tend not to pay attention to what hand somebody is using dominantly; and in the rare cases we do, finding out somebody is left handed, more uncommon than the alternative right hand, is considered a surprise and interesting fact about the person.However, in India, eating food with the left hand, which is considered "the devil's hand . I fail to understand why the left hand is considered so inauspicious although it is very much an important part of our body. If you are left handed, I recommend you learn to become ambidextrous. Although this was sensibly done in the past for reasons of sanitation and cleanliness, the left . Be careful to use only your right hand to eat with, though; the left hand is considered unclean, as it is typically the hand used when going to the toilet. That doesn't mean the left hand is dirty, it just means that in case some idiot didn't wash their hands right - and you both know that you view the left as the 'not preferred hand' , and I shake them with my right hand, then the chances of getting screwed with EColi or some shit decreases (although still possible). Hand-holding between two same-sex friends is a sign of affection, not a sign of a gay relationship. The left hand is considered unclean. Roman culture was superstitious, and left-handedness was associated with bad things. Who the Samaritans? If you must know why, let's just say that, historically, people living in deserts didn't have access to toilet paper, so the left hand was used . Most left-handers learn early on how to adapt — and it may even improve one's skills. Up through the mid-twentieth century in the United State, some sociologists and psychologists . As a side note, McDonald's learned this lesson the hard way. No wonder the old nuns were running around with their hair on fire trying to 'cure' lefties. Do not touch food, pass or receive anything, touch anyone or point with your left hand. For instance, in India, Indonesia and Bangladesh, it is considered rude for one to use his left hand to eat because it was considered to be only suitable for unclean tasks. Moroccans, therefore, rarely eat with their left hand, perhaps only using it to drink from or maybe to pass bread. Therefore, when eating, or shaking someone's hand, you always used your right hand. Do not touch anyone's head. These cultural roots are old and deep. The left hand is considered unclean because in all Arab cultures, the left hand is used for cleaning oneself after going to the bathroom. They believe the left hand should only be used for unclean things. In Buddhist culture the head is the highest part of the body and thought of as sacred. Ghana Writing with the left hand is not a problem, despite some things that I have seen here, and of course, if one has had a stroke and ca. When an Indian answers, "I will try," he or she generally means "no." This is considered a polite "no." but its not only yoruba people, i know alot of older Nigerians of other ethnicities that think that way! Do not make a fool of yourself and commit a major cultural faux pas by putting your left . In Ghana, there is a general taboo on left-hand use. Approval is sometimes shown with a pat on the shoulder, but American-style backslapping is considered offensive. because they think the left hand is dirty, because it is "suppose" to be the hand used to wipe ur butt after using the restroom, lol. Avoid pointing them at people or stepping over them as . In all of the aforementioned countries, where the left hand is considered dirty, shaking hands using the left hand would be out of the question. According to this concept, any food, dish, or utensil that has come in contact with one's saliva, lips or mouth is considered unclean and offering such food or items, or using a "contaminated" spoon . Keep this in mind and use your right hand when giving or accepting any object. Left handed myths and misunderstandings. In many parts of the world, the left hand is considered unclean, usually because it's used for "ablutions". Several cultures consider crossing your legs to be rude. However, guests should not eat with their left hand, which is considered unclean. The left hand is considered unclean in all Arab cultures as the left hand is used for cleaning oneself after going to the bathroom. xii. Several religions and cultures have a problem with left-handedness. The left hand is considered unclean. Why is it considered unclean to use your left hand by Muslims? I think the West's bias against left-handedness is just one more example of the . India it's traditionally used for wiping yourself, so the left hand is considered dirty). The left hand is used when going to the toilet and therefore considered dirty. In Latin, right and left were referred to as dexter and sinister. In most Arab countries, the left hand is considered unclean, and it is extremely rude to offer it for a handshake or to wave a greeting. 4. When Christianity became the dominant religion, some things stuck around among the culture. This is normal and socially acceptable. As Austrian physician and psychologist Wilhelm Stekel wrote in 1911, "The right-hand path always signifies the way to righteousness, the left-hand path the path to crime. They consider the left hand unclean, so you should never use it for anything publicly. To understand why the left-hand is considered unclean, we need to get some statistics. In many parts of the world, the left hand is considered unclean, usually because it's used for "ablutions". It is the hand usually used to perform acts that are otherwise irritating to a person . Point with your chin, whole hand or thumb. The right hand is the appropriate hand for all transactions and especially for eating. 1. Hand-to-mouth eating is an important custom in many Muslim countries. Why is it bad to use your left hand in Ghana? Ethiopians only use their right hand for eating, as the left hand is considered to be unclean. In Arab culture, the left hand is used for toileting and is widely considered to be unclean. Offence may be taken by an Indian if an Australian was to hand an item with their left hand, not intentionally being offensive as the left hand is considered equally clean to the right in Australian culture. 2 . Don't Be Offended by Intrusive Questions . Introduction61 Leviticus 11 is dealing with the subject of cleanness and uncleanness—specifically, with the subject of clean and unclean foods. among Muslims), followers would use their right hand for eating, and their left for personal hygiene. The left hand is considered unclean and shouldn't make direct contact with food. Understanding Arabs: the use of the Inappropriate Hand. Graffiti (both singular and plural; the singular graffito is rarely used except in archeology) is writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. In Indian culture, the left hand is considered unclean, so it is traditional to wear the ring on their right hand. According to wedding ring seller My Trio Rings, couples opt to wear their wedding rings on the right hand in India, where the left hand is considered unclean, and Orthodox Christians also customarily wear their wedding bands on their right hands. Introduction61 Leviticus 11 is dealing with the subject of cleanness and uncleanness—specifically, with the subject of clean and unclean foods. The practice of considering the left hand as profane and the right hand as pure (sacred) is strictly followed in daily life. Use of the Left Hand. However, with Ethiopia becoming such a popular country to visit, many restaurants will happily provide you with a fork and knife. Step 2 : Answer to the question "1. End quote. That tradition began due to the evil association with the word "left"—"sinister" comes from a . The left hand is associated with disrespect and bad manners in arguably many (if not all) Nigerian cultures. Through these practices, the left hand became known as the "unclean" hand. If you are a left-handed person, you might want to awaken your . Left-handed men and women have existed for more than 30,000 years [1]. Regular equipment and machinery were built for convenient use by . Shaking hands is uncommon, but exceptions are made, especially in international business situations. Why can't the use Makes me wonder again how many cultures view left-handedness as wrong or dirty (e.g. Contamination: The concept of saliva contaminating food is common throughout India. The word "clean" has a lot of different meanings today depending upon the context in which it is used. Throughout Indonesian society the left hand is used for "toilet duties" and is therefore considered unclean. How do u say hello in Ghana? The right hand of the gods was considered to be healing and beneficent, while their left hand was used for curses or inflicting injury.The strongly anti-left Ancient Egyptians often depicted their . The left hand is also used to gesture with when talking. While unwittingly using your left hand to eat with is unlikely to cause any drama, it might raise a few eyebrows, or induce a few snickers or scowls. Why Is The Left Hand Considered Unclean? So you don't eat with your left hand, and you don't touch other people with your left hand. In Japan, it's considered rude to cross your legs in the presence of . Conclusion. Answer has 2 votes. It is NOT a myth that left-handers have trouble with all sorts of everyday articles and tools. Therefore, you should avoid your left hand coming into contact with food or any objects that you pass to people. Answer: Left-handedness has a long history of being considered inferior. They use their left hands only for devotional actions. A significant portion of the people also considers pointing by the left hand to be rude. However, the left hand may be used for holding utensils, glasses and bowls. This is certainly the reason why the left hand is considered bad in Arabic countries. But I have not seen any evidence that the left hand was used for cleaning oneself in the Western World before the invention of toilet paper. 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