Around 1600, the fork was such a new and fashionable utensil that only the merchant and upper classes were using them. It was proper for a guest to arrive with his own fork (and spoon) enclosed in a box called a cadena. In England at that time, the fork was viewed as an 'unmanly Italian affectation'. Some Roman Catholics expressly disapproved of its use, seeing it as "excessive delicacy"."God in his wisdom has provided man with natural forks — his fingers. Therefore it is an insult to Him to substitute artificial metallic forks for them when eating."
The fork didn't become commonly used in Great Britain until the 18th century.
Pictured is a 17th century Scandinavian silver filigree knife and fork set.
1 comment:
how would the spork have fared?
I have always like the idea of having a dainty little knife hanging from my chatelaines belt for eating,finger nail paring, emergency surgery, etc. R
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