Having problem holding your chopsticks? Here's how...



1. Chopsticks are usually held at mid-length with the right hand. Place one chopstick between the thumb and the index finger, and press the tip of the middle finger against it. This chopstick will remain in place.



2. Position the second chopstick between the thumb and the tip of the middle finger, and support the upper half with the index finger.



3. When picking up food, control the upper chopstick with the index and the middle finger.


Extracts from "Origins of Chinese Food Culture" by ASIAPAC CULTURE

Chopsticks were first used in China, and later in Korea, Japan and other countries.

The Korean peninsula started dining with chopsticks over 1,000 years ago, making it the first country outside China to use the utensil. When a Korean girl gets married, the dowry must include a pair of silver chopsticks and silver spoons. When a child is born, the mother’s parents must send a gift a set of small chopsticks and spoons engraved with the baby’s name.

Japan has its own unique chopstick culture. Not only do the Japanese emphasize the workmanship of the chopsticks, they are also particular about the choice of chopsticks for different occasions. Bamboo chopsticks are used during grand banquets and state ceremonies at peacetime. Willow wood chopsticks are for birthdays and first meals of young children. Dining while admiring the full moon is an occasion for lespedeza wood chopsticks. For offerings, clean wooden chopsticks are the choice.

In certain regions, new chopsticks are used during sowing, transplanting of rice seedlings, and harvesting as a way of celebration. There is even a thanksgiving ceremony in which appreciation is expressed to the chopsticks for their contributions in dining, and to bless the trees and bamboo that have been cut down to make chopsticks. Japan has also designated 4th of August every year as Chopstick Day.

Japanese chopsticks are shorter than Chinese chopsticks. This is because in Japanese meals, each person has his own set of dishes. However, Chinese share the dishes at the same table, and therefore need longer chopsticks to pick up the food.

Note:
It’s said that using chopsticks promotes the development of one’s intelligence. This is because using chopsticks involves over 30 joints and 50 muscles in the fingers, wrist, arm and shoulder, as well as thousands of nerves. The arms are more closely connected to the brains than other organs. The repetitive motions in using the chopsticks stimulate the mind, and promote the full development of intelligence.

Extracts from "Origins of Chinese Food Culture" by ASIAPAC CULTURE