Subiect: Muslim cultures in general and the Uzbek culture in particular expose a belief in the sacredness of bread, or "non" in Uzbek. This belief can be seen in the respectful customs that accompany the handling of bread. Bread is not to be thrown away and not to be played with. It is always placed face-up on the table, and before it is eaten, the head of the household breaks it into an odd number of pieces. Bread is used to ward off evil spirits at the cradle; it is also used as an eating utensil and to be given as a gift (always in even numbers). The Uzbek bread loaves are flat and round. The diameter of a non is 10-12 in. and the loaves are 1-2 in. thick. Their appearance differs with each area in the country of Uzbekistan.
