7 weird food myths from around the world

 

Eating loudly may be frowned upon in this part of the world, but in China, you'd be doing something wrong if you don't slurp your noodles...noisily.

When it comes to food and how it is eaten, the norm varies from one culture to the next.

Indeed, for several cultures, there's more to food and eating than simply a means of satisfying a craving or providing nutrition to the body.

In such cases, food and eating have symbolic meanings and as such should be treated in a certain way.

Here are 8 food superstitions from around the world you should probably know about.

1. In France - bread kept on the table should right side up: This tradition traces its origin to Middle Age-France when bakers would designate bread loaves meant for the local executioner by placing it upside down so other customers would know it wasn’t for sale.
2. In Mexico - Handle tortillas with caution: According to ancient folklore,  a tortilla (a type of soft, thin flatbread made from finely ground wheat flour) dropped on the floor will lead to either unexpected or unwanted company.
3. In United States - Save a layer of your wedding cake: This tradition has managed to travel beyond the United States shores. The idea is to save a layer of the wedding cake and then eat at a slice on the couple’s one-year anniversary. The motive of this ritual - it's supposed to guarantee a happy, long-lasting union.
4. In United Kingdom - Hold onto hot cross buns: There are several myths linked to this point such as the belief that they won’t go stale for a full year. Others include hanging them in the kitchen wards off fires and even shipwrecks.
5. In Turkey - Throw chewing gum away after sunset: Legend has it that chewing gum after dark is the same as chewing on the flesh of a dead body.
6. 
   In Japan - Don't pass chopstick to chopstick: It is considered a bad omen to pass chopsticks, rather out the food in a plate before passing it.
7. In Saudi Arabia - Do not cry over spilt coffee: "Don't cry over spilt milk" is not just a saying, it is a food myth that almost holds sway in Saudi Arabia. In most Arab countries, spilled coffee means good luck so crying over this can't portend well.