Despite the fact that around the world it is customary to use a knife, fork and other cutlery, residents of the East continue to actively wield chopsticks. It is worthwhile to figure out how these sticks appeared and what makes the Chinese, Japanese and other Asians use them.

Chopsticks History

A pair of chopsticks of a certain size is considered a common cutlery in East Asian countries: Japan, China, Korea, etc. Here they eat food exclusively with chopsticks. In Thailand, sticks are used only when eating soups or noodles. This is due to the fact that in this country in the 19th century, King Rama V introduced European-style devices.

What are chopsticks made of?

Most often, materials such as wood, plastic, bone, metal are used for manufacturing. The sticks are round in shape, and the square base allows you to calmly put them on the table and not be afraid that the devices will slide off it. The standard length of the chopsticks is 25 cm. As for kitchen chopsticks, which are used for cooking, they are usually made from bamboo, and the length is about 37 cm. Interestingly, about 30% of the population in China use chopsticks during meals, more 30% are ordinary cutlery, and the remaining amount prefers to eat just by hand.

Interesting fact: There is an opinion that chopsticks in China, during the reign of the emperor, were also used for security purposes.Instruments made of silver served to detect poison in food.

Where did chopsticks first appear?

Initially, sticks appeared in China. By the way, there they are called “kaizi”. The approximate time of occurrence is 3000 years ago, during the existence of the early kingdom of Shan. This is evidenced by various archaeological finds. Of course, it is impossible to know exactly who invented the sticks and introduced them into everyday life. However, there is a legend that this idea belongs to a Chinese mythological character named Yu the Great. It is believed that once he wanted to remove meat from a boiling pot. In order not to get burned, Yu took two ordinary twigs and used them for this purpose.

The Japanese borrowed sticks from the Chinese for a long time (around 300 AD). At first it was a kind of bamboo tongs, which later turned into separate sticks of a modern type. The common people ate with their hands, while such sticks were used only by representatives of the highest nobility. In Japanese, the sticks have a different name - "Hashi".

For local residents, their use has become a real culture. Children in Japan from an early age master the art of using sticks. It is believed that they develop fine motor skills, as well as mental abilities. Each Japanese should have an individual pair of sticks that are not customary to transfer to someone else. They are also considered a sacred symbol, because, according to the Japanese, bring good luck and longevity.Often used as a valuable gift - for a wedding, 100 days after the birth of a child. There are special types of sticks that are used during the tea ceremony, on New Year's Eve, when eating sweets, etc.

Reasons for Using Sticks

There are several reasons for using chopsticks in East Asian countries, both philosophical and practical. From a philosophical point of view, the famous thinker Confucius significantly influenced the attitude of the Chinese to the wands. According to his beliefs, this is not just cutlery, but an attitude to life, a person’s worldview.

The philosopher believed that the knife and fork are symbols of war, aggression, greed. This applies to any sharp objects that many Chinese associate with weapons. Such things should not be near food, because the food for this people is sacred. In modern China, many even use ordinary appliances, but during the holidays, family meetings, they always take wands.

With regard to the practicality of sticks, it is worth paying attention to the types of food that are common in East Asian countries. They like rice, vegetables, mushrooms, meat, but all dishes are served with carefully ground ingredients. Eating them with chopsticks is quite convenient, especially rice - it is not so crumbly prepared. If you take this side dish with a spoon, it can quickly turn into an unappetizing gruel.

Surprisingly, even liquid dishes, such as soups, are also eaten with chopsticks. Usually, large ingredients are chosen first, and the broth is drunk directly from the bowl.In China, as in other neighboring countries, it is not customary to rush while eating. This process is not just a physical necessity, but a real ritual. In addition, it has real practical benefits. It is known that a feeling of fullness appears after 15-20 minutes after the end of the meal. During this time, you can manage to eat an extra portion. The Chinese, on time, finish their meal, and leisurelyness is considered one of the reasons for the harmony of men and women of this nationality.

Interesting fact: Use of chopsticks with food should be in accordance with the rules of etiquette, which may vary depending on the country. For example, in China you can’t stick food, pound them, shake them in the air. It is also forbidden to sort pieces of food in a plate - traditionally take food from above.

Also, the quantity of food that can be slowly and thoroughly chewed is taken with chopsticks - this is useful for digestion. Another reason is acupressure of the hands, which a person receives using sticks.

In the East, chopsticks are used because of convenience, practicality, and also for philosophical reasons. In some countries, they are a symbol of good luck and longevity. Sticks are considered individual devices that are not customary to exchange. They are often presented for important holidays. They do not use ordinary devices in eastern countries, since they connect them with war, aggression, greed. It is also more convenient to eat local dishes with chopsticks so that their consistency is not violated.