Dining forks have been around since the first millennium of the current era though in some places they weren't accepted as they were thought to be tools of the devil (pitchfork maybe?). This superstition was compounded when the woman who introduced them in Venice died of the plague. Forks weren't widely accepted until the 15th century when candied fruits were introduced and the forks were needed to eat the messy treats. As long as we're on the topic of evil...in 19th century England shoes were often built into walls near doors and windows to keep evil spirts out, this custom also migrated to the North Eastern US and parts of Canada before it was discontinued. I wonder why shoes? The smell?
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