The most disagreeable of all
American fashions, in their eyes, is that of boots and gloves. They
rarely eat their food from plates; and when they do so, it is only at
home. They use the leaf of the plantain or other trees as a substitute.
To offer them any thing to eat on a metal or earthen plate which others
have used, would be considered a great affront. For the same reason,
they will neither use a spoon nor a fork when they eat; and they are
astonished that any one, after having applied them to their mouths, and
infected them with saliva, should repeat the act a second time. They
have a great abhorrence of the toothpick, if used a second time. When
they eat any thing dry, they throw it into their mouths, so that the
fingers may not approach the lips.
They do not drink as we do, by applying the cup to the lips. This would
be considered a gross impropriety. They pour the water into their
months. The reason why they do these things is, because they consider
the saliva to be the most filthy secretion that comes from the body. It
is on this account that no one is ever permitted to spit within doors.
The use of animal food they consider to be defiling.
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