Brilio.net - Since ancient times, it has often been taught that enjoying a meal must be finished and not left over. Because it is a form of gratitude for being given an abundance of food. It is no wonder that when parents give food to their children, they try to eat it all.
But unfortunately, children tend not to finish their food. As a result, parents willingly finish their children's food. Most parents think it's a shame to waste food.
Well, the habit of eating children's leftovers turns out to have many myths. One of the myths that sticks is that eating children's leftovers is believed to make children naughty.
It is said that unfinished food depicts a child's character who is undisciplined and does not appreciate food. In the end, when the child grows up, he becomes incredibly naughty.
If understood further, the character and habit of leaving food have nothing to do with each other. Even so, there are many people who believe in this myth.
Actually eating leftovers of children's food has many meanings. What are they? Let's see the complete review that brilio.net summarizes from various sources, Sunday (12/15)
The meaning of the myth of eating children's leftovers
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1. Restraining child growth
The myth of eating children's leftovers is associated with the belief that such an action can hinder or restrict the child's growth. According to traditional beliefs, every time a parent finishes a child's leftovers, it spiritually cuts off the child's growth energy. Some parents believe that this can affect the child's height, intelligence, and potential development in the future.
2. Unlimited parental love
Eating children's leftovers is often seen as a symbol of deep parental love. Parents are willing to finish the leftovers because they do not want to throw away food that has been touched by their children. This action reflects parental care, even for small things like food, which shows how much parents value everything related to their children.
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3. Reduces children's intelligence
There is also a belief that eating children's leftovers can lower the child's intelligence level. This myth assumes that the food that has been eaten by the child contains a unique "intellectual energy". When parents finish the leftovers, it is believed that it will steal or reduce the child's intelligence potential, both academic and non-academic intelligence.
4. Maintaining children's luck
In some cultures, there is a belief that throwing away a child's food can throw away their luck. By eating the leftovers, parents are believed to be able to keep the child's luck in the family. Although it sounds like a myth, this tradition is often practiced because it is considered a form of protection.
5. Hindering future success
Furthermore, in traditional beliefs eating children's leftovers is considered to hinder the child's success in the future. This myth believes that each child's food has a unique potential energy. When finishing their leftovers, parents are considered to have reduced the child's chances of success in various aspects of life.
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6. Habits to avoid waste
Some parents see this habit as a practical way to avoid food waste. Children tend to leave food because they do not understand the concept of portions or needs. Rather than throwing away food, parents choose to finish it, which ultimately also teaches children economic values.
7. The myth of blessings and health
In various stories passed down from generation to generation, there is a belief that eating children's leftovers brings blessings, including health. Parents believe that food that has been touched by a child has positive energy that can be transferred to him. Although scientifically unproven, this belief still lives in society.