Saturday, February 4, 2023

National Chopsticks Day Review

 The Mid-Winter month of February is famous for the holidays of Groundhog's Day, Valentine's Day and President's Day. But lots of other unusual, different, strange or wacky days occur in February to give us lots to celebrate. 


A bowl of Asian food with chopsticks

Chopsticks Day


National Chopsticks Day is celebrated each year on February 6. It is not a recognized 'national'  holiday, but somehow the national name was tacked onto the day. No one really knows why this holiday was begun as the creator is anonymous, but it can be a fun day to celebrate. 


Approximately one-fourth of the world's population use chopsticks for every meal. In fact, Asian children quickly learn to use them and think forks are an 'odd' utensil. 


My son's wife is from South Korea and the family uses chopsticks for most every meal. In fact, last night my darling daughter-in-law was even using chopsticks to feed leftover dinner tidbits to their poodle one bite at a time. A new-to-me use for chopsticks! LOL.


Image of chopsticks
Image Source: Pixabay

Chopsticks come in many forms. They can be made of wood, bamboo, plastic, bone, fine china, or metal. Wooden or bamboo chopsticks are the choice in my son's family. 


  • In China, chopsticks are called “Kuaizi”, which means “quick little bamboo fellows”. 
  • In Korea, the word for chopsticks is “jeosgalag”. 
  • In Japan, chopsticks are known as “Hashi”.


A Bit of Chopsticks History


chopsticks in a bowl
Image Source: Pixabay

Definition: A pair of slender sticks held between thumb and fingers and used chiefly in Asian countries to lift food to the mouth. 


According to research, chopsticks were developed in China about 5,000 years ago.  The earliest versions were probably twigs used to retrieve food from cooking pots. 


In China, chopsticks symbolize heaven and earth. The round end is the eating end (heaven) and the square end symbolizes earth. This came about because the greatest concern between heaven and earth is maintaining an adequate food supply. 


Cultural hint: Never use chopsticks the wrong way round, i.e., invert them, to avoid losing face. 


How to Use Chopsticks




Summary


So, on February 6, be sure and use chopsticks ~ perhaps for a Chinese meal. 


National Chopstick Day
February 6


Bamboo chopsticks
Bamboo Chopsticks available on Amazon


For more holiday reviews, check out


*National Chopsticks Day Review written by Wednesday Elf 










Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


14 comments:

  1. Well, some very interesting facts and history for chop sticks. I never could use them, and I've tried many time and failed. The video was very helpful so, the next time I have the opportunity to use chop sticks I will certainly try again and hope for the best lol!!! Thanks Pat

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sam. Despite having 'family' who are expert at using chopsticks, I STILL can't seem to get the knack. They let me use forks and spoons when I eat dinner at their house... LOL.

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  2. Thank you Pat for this enlightening and educational post. I never knew that to turn those chopsticks around would be "losing face". I thought the flatter ends made it easier to grab those delicious noodles. I won't do it that way anymore. Oh my! Happy Chopstick Day to you too!

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    Replies
    1. I never knew there was 'etiquette' to observe when using chopsticks either, Olivia. Thanks for your visit to my Chopstick Day review.

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  3. I have never mastered the art of eating with chopsticks. I would imagine that if I had been taught to use them as a child (like how to hold a pencil and write) that I would certainly know how. However, as an adult, I simply seem to make a mess and drop food everywhere. I end up scooping food up on the end instead of pinching the food between the sticks. Perhaps, for me, February 6 will have to be a "learn to use chopsticks" day :) I guess better start with the video tutorial you shared, although I have several family members who have tried to teach me in person. I fear I am bound to disappoint.

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    Replies
    1. Mouse, I have an in-house expert (my Korean daughter-in-law) to teach me and, so far, I have also failed to learn to use chopsticks! When the kids can even use them, it becomes discouraging. But then, as you said, they learned to eat with chopsticks before ever using a fork or spoon!

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  4. lol, there's a day for everything! I'm impressed with people who can use these; I guess it just takes some getting used to. I had no idea there was a correct direction either; I'll be taking a closer look next time I see some. Thanks for this fun bit history.

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    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed some history of chopsticks. I hope to master them yet with instructions from my DIL. :)

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  5. I learned to ear with chopsticks when I was in grade school and to this day ai always use them when eating Asian food. I know it’s all in my head, but I think Asian food tastes better when I eat it with chopsticks, lol. On the other hand, I have never been tempted to eat Western food with them. Like your son’s and daughter-in-law’s preference, mine is also for wood or bamboo. The anodized metal chopsticks I’ve seen are gorgeous, but I find the smooth surface makes it harder to eat with them. Thanks for such a fun review!

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    Replies
    1. I think you have hit upon the real secret of being able to eat with chopsticks, Margaret. Learn young! my grandsons put me to shame with their ability, but they've been using chopsticks their whole young lives. :)

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  6. I did not know there was a National Chopstick day! Love all these interesting facts about chopsticks! Interesting that there is a right way round to use them with the round and square ends symbolising heaven and earth. Thank you for your interesting review !

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    Replies
    1. I also thought it was interesting to learn there is a protocol for using chopsticks (right way vs. wrong way). Thanks for your visit.

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