Before and after each meal, Libyans say a short prayer. A bowl of perfumed water is sometimes passed around the table. Each person dips three fingers into the water as a form of ritual cleansing. Traditionally, people eat with the fingers of the right hand (the left hand is considered unclean and is not used).
Breakfast is usually a light meal-tea and a roll or bread, or couscous sweetened with milk and honey. For most people, the main meal of the day is one served between 1 PM and 3 PM Families eat a lighter meal in the evening.