Chopsticks, a simple pair of sticks, are an essential part of dining in many Asian cultures. They were first used in China and then introduced to other areas in the world. They come in various materials like wood, bamboo, and metal, each offering its own unique feel and grip. Below are some things to know about Chinese Chopsticks.

1) When were chopsticks invented?

    Before chopsticks were invented, Chinese ancestors used their hands to eat. But how did they eat soup and porridge? They had to use sticks. Chopsticks were first used in China about 3,000 years ago during the Shang Dynasty. According to “Records of the Grand Historian”, the last king of the Shang Dynasty used ivory chopsticks. So, China has at least three thousand years of history with chopsticks. During the Pre-Qin period, chopsticks were called “Jia”. In the Han dynasty, they were called “Zhu”. Since “Zhu” sounds like “stop” in Chinese, which is an unlucky word for people on boats, they started calling them “Kuai”, meaning “fast” in Chinese. This is how Chinese chopsticks got their name today.

2) Who invented chopsticks?

    The records of using chopsticks have been found in many written books but lack physical evidence. However, there are many stories about how chopsticks were invented. One story says that Jiang Ziya, an ancient Chinese military strategist, made chopsticks after seeing a mythical bird. There is also a story that Yu the Great, a legendary ruler, used sticks to pick hot food so he could save time and control floods. But we don’t know exactly who invented chopsticks. We can only say that ancient Chinese people made chopsticks.

3) Chopsticks Etiquette (礼仪)

    Playing with chopsticks is seen as impolite. It is polite and kind to pick up food for the elderly and children. When eating with elders, Chinese usually let the elders take up their chopsticks first. Often, a caring host will give a piece of food (like a chicken leg) from the plate to a guest. Tapping chopsticks on the edge of your bowl is considered rude because beggars (乞丐) in ancient China did this to get attention.

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