Verified answer

In Belarusian villages people had strict table manners which they taught their children from an early age. They could take a spoon only after they (1) had washed their face and hands. The father took the most important seat — at the head of the table, then the older children sat next to him; after them, the younger ones and, finally, the mother who (2) had served the dishes. The children served themselves only if they (3) had learnt to use a spoon. Without saying a word, the father cut the bread and gave out the slices to everyone. Only after he (4) had spooned some food out of the pot standing in the center of the table, the other family members could do the same. Soup or stew was often the main dish so the children were taught to carry their spoon from the pot to their mouth over a slice of bread so that they (5) wouldn't spill it on the table. The family had to eat all the food on the table without any leftovers. The parents told their children that the leftovers (6) would come to them at night and wake them up if they didn't eat all the food. People ate slowly in silence so that they (7) wouldn't choke. In the end, everyone put their spoons on the table after they (8) had licked it clean. Many of these old table rules have disappeared nowadays as our lifestyle has changed dramatically.​