The fork also became more popular as hygiene ideals began to change. Up until this point, purposely clogging one’s pores with dirt to prevent the plague infiltrating through them was considered a good idea. (Similar thought processes were largely why bathing was uncommon during Medieval times– you don’t want disease filled water getting in your pores!) Many people also preferred to blow their noses directly into their hands instead of onto the tablecloth, as that would be bad manners. Now, imagine these same people eating with their hands.