--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Our cautious ancestors, when yawning…" description: "\"Our cautious ancestors, when yawning, blocked the way to the entrance of evil spirits by putting their hands before their mouths. We find a reason for ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7c/anonymous-1_blocked_our-cautious-ancestors-when-yawning-bloc_263995.jpg" --- # Our cautious ancestors, when yawning, blocked the way to… ![“Our cautious ancestors, when yawning, blocked the way to the entrance of evil spirits by putting their hands before their mouths. We find a reason for the gesture in the delicacy of manner which forbids an indecent exposure.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7c/anonymous-1_blocked_our-cautious-ancestors-when-yawning-bloc_263995.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7c/anonymous-1_blocked_our-cautious-ancestors-when-yawning-bloc_263995.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7c/anonymous-1_blocked_our-cautious-ancestors-when-yawning-bloc_263995.jpg) > “Our cautious ancestors, when yawning, blocked the way to the entrance of evil spirits by putting their hands before their mouths. We find a reason for the gesture in the delicacy of manner which forbids an indecent exposure.” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Ancient people covered their mouths while yawning to block evil spirits, reflecting cultural manners and fear of exposure. **In simple terms:** Mouth covering during yawning was a protective ritual. Key Takeaway Respect cultural customs that protect against unseen harms. Themes culture ritual superstition manners protection Mood curious respectful analytical Type cultural educational When to use this quote - daily life - ritual practice - education about customs Key Concepts anthropology symbolism social norms Questions to Reflect On - Why do societies create protective gestures? - What does this reveal about human fear of the unknown? A Different Perspective Modern science sees yawning as physiological, not spiritual. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cautious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cautious/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Exposure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exposure/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) ## Related quotes > [Without a doubt, one of my favorite American ingredients is blue crabs, a true delicacy! 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