>Tamar,
>
>not just ancient peoples... it's the norm still throught India, S.E. Asia and many Moslem countries.
>
>Which is why you should only eat with your right hand in those countries.
>
>It's actually very efficient and environmentally friendly.
>

So is washing one's hands.

I had heard of that custom before and will be sure to keep the left hand and right hand purposes straight if I visit that part of the world. Which I don't expect to be any time soon given how welcome Americans are there at the moment.