Brushing crumbs off the table with your hand is an action that may seem insignificant and innocent, but in fact it carries deep meaning and hidden consequences.
Our ancestors believed that this should not be done, as it violates respect for bread – a sacred symbol of life and well-being.
Bread is not just food, but a gift from God that gives strength and satiety in difficult times. Therefore, bread was treated with gratitude and respect, and many signs and rituals associated with it were observed.
One of these signs says that you can’t leave uneaten pieces of bread on the table, and even more so, sweep them onto the floor with your hand.
This is considered not only unethical but also dangerous, as it attracts poverty, illness and misfortune into the home.
Why is this so? There are several explanations for this belief.
• By sweeping away crumbs with his hand, a person shows ingratitude to the Almighty, who gave him bread. In this way, he can violate the favor of God and lose his protection and help.
• By sweeping away crumbs with your hand, a person insults the brownie – the kind guardian of the hearth, who loves bread and does not tolerate its waste. In this way, he can anger the brownie and lose his support and blessing.
• By sweeping away crumbs with your hand, a person throws away his health and happiness, which are contained in every piece of bread. In this way, he can weaken his vital forces and attract illnesses and failures to himself.
• By sweeping up crumbs with your hand, a person shows his attitude towards the table – a place of family rapprochement and communication. In this way, he can disrupt the harmony in relationships with loved ones and cause conflicts and discord.
What to do with table crumbs? There are several correct ways.
• Collect them in your palm or a spoon and eat them yourself or give them to pets or birds. This will be a manifestation of care and mercy to our smaller brothers.
• Dry them in the oven or frying pan and make croutons, kvass or breading from them. This will be an exercise in ingenuity.
• Take them out in a bag near the trash can or outside. This will be an act of generosity and kindness to those who might need the crumbs.
The main thing is not to sweep the crumbs onto the floor or into the trash with your hand. This will be a sign of disrespect and ingratitude to bread – the head of everything!
Appreciate bread and observe the signs - and your home will always have prosperity, health and happiness!
