When people think of “Left hand Taboo” most people think its an African thing. Yes it is common in Africa but it was not started in Africa. The whole “don’t eat with your left hand” has a lot more stories behind it. It is widely known in India, Africa and other parts of the world. Some people think it is a “Yoruba” thing, but its not entirely true. Also a lot of people believe that in Ghana no one uses there left hand for anything unless totally necessary.
After researching a lot on this after being told off by my Boyfriend a long time ago for eating pounded yam with my left hand lol I found out a lot more than i expected. Turns out, it is also Islamic, That it is not good to eat with your left hand according to Islam and that Muslims must use there left hand when going to the toilet.
Other than Islam, A lot of people see it as dirty to eat with your left hand as you are more likely to use your left hand when going to the toilet, clean up and picking up dirty things etc. Although not everyone uses there left hand i the loo! lol
Also to give someone a gift or a hand shake with your left hand is also considered to be Taboo. I don’t know everything about this “Left hand taboo” story but i wanted to make a quick post to let people know it is not only done in Africa! And that it has a lot more behind it than just being a rule people follow.
If you know any more information on this i would love to hear it so feel free to post your comments 🙂
Thanks again for reading and don’t forget to check out all my other posts 🙂 Ese Pupo
Africa - the side they won't show you on TV 
Hey Abeni,
I just came across your blog, which is so interesting because it really relates to me, being a Yoruba myself. And seeing that you are truly not a Oyinbo! You are more African then me ;]
About your post above, yes its true Islam teaches us to always eat with ones right hand, as the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah exalt his mention) taught us.Which is mentioned in one of his sayings about the etiquette while eating;
Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), said to me, “Mention Allah’s Name (i.e., say Bismillah before starting eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
I invite you to Islam and learn more about it, to look in the religion of Islam which is the religion of Abraham, Jesus and Moses (May Allah exalt their mention) that preaches the worship of only one True God without any intermediaries or partners.
It was nice reading through your blog. Wishing you all the best!
Take care!
Knowing dt their so much behind left hand I ave had 4rm some1 but not confirmed dat scientifically dere is an organ wc wz suppose 2 be @ d right hand side nd itz nw formed @ d left not sur