People in the Middle Ages did eat with their hands. Personal utensils (餐具) were mostly unheard of, especially forks. There were spoons to help serve, but only special guests would receive a knife from the host. Everyone else would be expected to bring their own. Of course, eating with one's hands can be quite a sticky situation, so towels were provided to help diners stay at least somewhat clean as they ate.
Still, dining was often a messy affair. At special occasions in the wealthiest households, women tended to dine alone, separate from the men. Women were expected to uphold a quality of grace. Eating greasy meat by hand would certainly not help! Once the men and women had finished their meals, they would come together to socialize.
Dietary scholars of the Middle Ages believed that the foods in a meal needed to be served and eaten in order of heaviness. The lightest and most easily digested foods, such as fruits and cheeses, were eaten first to help the digestive (消化) system get started. Once digestion was underway, greens and light meats, such as lettuce, cabbage and chicken, could be eaten. Last came the heavier vegetables and meats, such as carrots, beans, beef, pork, and mutton. This method was considered the most healthful way to eat.
The main and largest meal of the day was supper, and it was eaten at midday. Dinner was a light meal, and many of those in nobility (贵族) - the highest levels of the Middle Ages society-skipped breakfast altogether. Breakfast was considered unnecessary for those who did not perform physical work. Snacks and any other eating during the day were viewed the same way. Commoners, or the working class, were allowed to eat breakfast and small meals throughout the day.
【小题1】What did people in the Middle Ages usually do at the dinner table?| A．They cleaned hands before meals. |
| B．They used personal utensils. |
| C．They had to use knives at dinner. |
| D．They ate mostly with hands. |
| A．The order of eating foods. |
| B．The weight of various foods. |
| C．The principles of digesting foods. |
| D．The list of healthy foods. |
| A．Breakfast was wasted for the nobility. |
| B．Breakfast was viewed as unnecessary. |
| C．Breakfast was considered as a light meal. |
| D．Breakfast was saved for commoners. |
