I love all the ritualized behaviour, secret meanings and unexpected taboos - standing up when someone of higher status stands, elaborate rules for serving and eating, tapping the table to thank the server, never refuse a toast from a superior, stuff like that.
Whether it’s about meals or anything else, I’d love to hear about any uncommon politeness standard or similar social behaviour that goes on in your location, culture or restaurant!
It is a combination that tables were too small to have room to put your elbows on and that some tables weren’t nailed down to their legs, making it easy for them to turn over.
It’s actually because sailors were often looked down upon in high society and they used their elbows to keep their plate from sliding around on the table as the ship rocked back and forth
My Mom grew up near Kitsap naval base and calling someone a sailor was pretty much a slur, even if they were a sailor. I don’t think that’s gone away lol