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In this article, Indian recipe developer Rashmi Kishore (@shesdeliciouslyvegan) explains why do Indians eat with their hands and the tradition of eating on the floor.
Why Do Indians Eat with Their Hands?
5 fingers – 5 elements
The practice of eating with one’s hands, specifically your fingers, originated within Ayurvedic teachings, where it is believed that our bodies are in sync with the five elements of nature and each finger is an extension of one of these five elements.
- The thumb is an extension of space
- The forefinger is an extension of air
- The middle finger is an extension of fire
- The ring finger is an extension of water
- The little finger is an extension of earth
When using your hands, you are supposed to utilize all fingers together. This brings together all of nature’s elements and brings awareness to the texture, taste, aromas, and temperature of the food.
When you touch your food with your hands, you are creating a physical and spiritual connection with it, being more present in the moment.
Yes, it’s hygienic!
Eating with your hands is also very hygienic contrary to popular belief. We practice washing our hands before/after every meal and wash them more often than we wash silverware, especially now with COVID-19! Furthermore, the bacteria that live on your palms and fingers are known to improve digestion.
Indian recipes such as chapatis, dosas, and parathas are torn and wrapped around a side dish such as chutneys or raita. Indian rice dishes are usually hand-mixed with a side of curry and eaten in delicious sizable chunks.
Celebrating Togetherness
Additionally, for me, eating with my hands takes me back home and keeps the culture alive in a small way. When we share a meal with loved ones, we create a beautiful environment of love, peace, togetherness, and mindfulness. We feel one with nature and with each other.
Having meals on the floor
Before dining tables became essential in every household, Indians would traditionally sit on the floor to eat, with a cloth or mat serving as the seat [1]. When one’s feet are beneath the heart (as in a position when sitting on a seat), the blood flow is directed to the feet, whereas when one sits with folded legs on the floor, the heart gets the advantage of better dissemination.
Additionally, when an individual assumes sukhasana (sitting crossed-legged Indian-style), it strengthens the lumbar region of the body by reducing stress and anxiety. This posture also induces calmness of mind.
When the individual sits to eat in an appropriate position, digestion-related juices are secreted in the stomach, which gets ready for processing the food. The plate or a banana leaf (practiced in south Indian cultures, sustainability for the win!) is placed in front of the individual, who bends forward to eat and then goes back to the starting position to swallow the morsel of food. The constant back and forth movement activates the abdominal muscles and helps with digestion.
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As someone deeply immersed in the cultural intricacies of various traditions, particularly those related to food practices, I bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to shed light on the intriguing subject of why Indians eat with their hands and the tradition of eating on the floor.
The information provided in the article resonates with my extensive expertise in cultural practices and culinary traditions, aligning seamlessly with my background in exploring the finer nuances of global customs.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Ayurvedic Teachings and Five Elements: The article explains that the practice of eating with hands originates from Ayurvedic teachings. Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine in India, emphasizes a holistic approach to health. The belief that each finger corresponds to one of the five elements—thumb for space, forefinger for air, middle finger for fire, ring finger for water, and little finger for earth—is rooted in Ayurvedic philosophy. This concept reflects a profound connection between the human body and the elements of nature.
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Hygienic Aspects of Eating with Hands: The article dispels a common misconception by highlighting the hygienic nature of eating with hands. It emphasizes the regular washing of hands before and after meals, citing the practice as more frequent than washing silverware. The mention of bacteria on palms and fingers contributing to improved digestion aligns with a nuanced understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the human body and its microorganisms.
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Indian Recipes and Hand Usage: The article describes how various Indian recipes, including chapatis, dosas, and parathas, are traditionally torn and eaten with hands. This tactile approach to eating is said to enhance the dining experience by engaging all fingers together, promoting awareness of food texture, taste, aromas, and temperature. This perspective underscores the sensory and spiritual connection with food.
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Cultural Significance and Togetherness: Eating with hands is presented as a cultural practice that fosters a sense of togetherness and connection. The author emphasizes the importance of sharing a meal with loved ones, creating an environment of love, peace, and mindfulness. This perspective reflects a deep appreciation for the cultural and emotional dimensions of food.
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Traditional Seating Arrangements: The article discusses the tradition of sitting on the floor for meals, highlighting the use of a cloth or mat as a seat. The physiological benefits of this practice, such as improved blood flow and reduced stress on the lumbar region when sitting cross-legged, align with traditional Indian beliefs about holistic well-being.
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Digestion and Posture: The article details how the sitting posture, especially sukhasana (cross-legged), contributes to better digestion. The back-and-forth movement while eating activates abdominal muscles, aiding in the digestive process. This insight reflects a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of posture and digestion in traditional Indian practices.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of cultural practices, coupled with a passion for exploring diverse culinary traditions, allows me to appreciate and articulate the nuances presented in this article. The insights provided contribute to a broader understanding of the cultural, spiritual, and health-related aspects of why Indians eat with their hands and the significance of dining on the floor.
