The history of the emergence of sticks, as well as the entire history of the Middle Kingdom, is rooted in hoary antiquity. The first mentions of such a simple cutlery are found in manuscripts dated back to the 3rd millennium BC. Legends say that the wands owe their appearance to human intolerance.

The reluctance to wait for the tidbit to cool down made the clever Chinese grab it with the first object that came to hand. This item turned out to be an ordinary bamboo sprout. Of course, the historical prototype only vaguely resembled a modern counterpart. It was a fragment of a bamboo branch, split in the center and bent in half – a kind of tongs that ancient culinary experts used to prepare food.

Then the bamboo branch bent in half was transformed into 2 separate fragments. Several millennia passed before they migrated from kitchens to the tables of the local aristocracy. In the past centuries, the use of cutlery was allowed for representatives of the privileged estates. And only at the turn of the 7th – 8th centuries AD, the sticks, which in the Celestial Empire are called kuayzi, came to the people.

What are the Chinese sticks called

Archaeologists claim that Chinese sticks were invented in China about 3 thousand years ago (the Shang era). Modern Chinese people call them kuayzi. Legend has it that one Chinese man broke off two small sticks and tried to get the meat that was boiled in the cauldron without getting burned. He did what he had planned. Today, the population of China can be roughly divided into three groups according to the way of eating. Sticks and forks are used by about 60% of the population (30% for each type of appliance), the rest are still eaten with their hands.

The kuayzi used in a restaurant are most often up to 25 cm long and have a square base so as not to boil. Weisheng kuayzi – sticks intended for single use are also popular among the Chinese. They are not always perfectly processed, which is why they are examined for splinters before use.

Multifunctionality of sticks

About 30% of the world’s population uses chopsticks. This is a very multifunctional cutlery – you can take rice or noodles, cut fish, stir soups, wrap sushi, hold solid food while drinking the liquid fraction, scoop up pieces of food, choose bones, etc.

Chopsticks, hasi, are traditional Japanese cutlery. With their help, they eat any dishes, including liquid ones, and it is impossible to imagine Japanese cuisine without chopsticks, which in December 2013 was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Using chopsticks

Japanese sticks are made mainly of wood or bamboo, and in general in East Asia, metals, ivory, plastic, etc. are also used for their manufacture.

Chopsticks made from a variety of materials, including metal and ivory

Typically, Japanese chopsticks are thicker at the top for which they are gripped and taper towards the ends that are used to grip the food. It is difficult to list all their varieties. There are paired sets for the meotobashi spouses, varying in size, Iwaibashi Christmas sticks, kaiseki gourmet ikyubashi sticks, small children’s sticks, saibashi culinary sticks used in cooking, disposable splitting varibashi sticks.

Saibashi chopsticks

Pair set for the meotobashi spouses

Iwaibashi Christmas sticks

What are Chinese sticks made of?

But sticks are made not only from bamboo. Also used:

ivory;
sandalwood;
plastics;
precious and semi-precious metals;
wood of noble tree species.

Decorative Chinese chopsticks combine functional and aesthetic components. This is not just a household item, it is a real work of art. Inlaid with precious stones or painted in the best traditions of Chinese painting, they are the embodiment of the skill of the oriental people. Photos of collectible items once again confirm this fact.

Restaurants usually serve disposable wooden cutlery called weisheng kuaizi. They have no decorative value, since their design is very simple and uncomplicated. A feature of such sticks is the unfinished cut at the thickened base. Before starting a meal, weisheng quaizi should be divided into 2 slices and only then start eating rice, sushi or noodles.

Japanese sticks, called hasi, appeared in the Land of the Rising Sun much later than in China. Japan had acquired cutlery only by AD 500.

So same, but so different

Chinese sticks are not only plastic and bamboo, but also metal, bone, and even silver and jade. The latter were used only by emperors and high-ranking nobles. In general, for a long time, sticks were the device of exceptionally rich people, but now they are part of the national culture of several countries. The Japanese teach their children to hold wooden sticks very early, literally from a year. This workout is beneficial for fine motor skills in the hands and stimulates brain activity.

In China, sticks are called kuayzi, which translates as bamboo. In Japan, this device has a different name – hasi. The inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom quickly mastered sticks and brought its appearance to perfection by varnishing and decorating with carved patterns. Japanese hasi are used for the tea ceremony, for sweets and even for the New Year. The Koreans call the sticks chokkorak and are most often made of stainless steel and different wood species.

How to eat with Chinese chopsticks instruction

In recent years, the overwhelming desire of representatives of other nationalities to master such an unusual device has been clearly visible all over the world. This is largely due to the incredible popularization of Asian cuisine. Sushi and rolls, which were considered exotic food a few decades ago, are now firmly established in the diet of the modern European.

Practice holding sticks

Despite the fact that there are generally accepted rules that should be followed while learning to “control” chopsticks, no one canceled improvisation.

A simple analogy can be drawn with writing. In first grade, we are all shown how to hold a ballpoint pen correctly. And we, observing the correct slope, learn to display each letter. But very soon everyone develops their own individual writing style. Pay attention to the way your friends or colleagues are holding a pencil and pen, and you will be surprised to note that in this position very little remains of what we were taught in elementary school.

It is the same with kuazi. In order not to experience discomfort during a meal, before learning how to hold Chinese chopsticks, you must try to find the most comfortable position for them on your fingers.

To do this, take the lower stick in your right hand so that its thickened end is in the area of the junction of the thumb and forefinger, protruding literally 2 – 3 cm, and squeeze. Place the free edge at the base of the nail phalanx. If done correctly, it will be securely fixed, and the index and ring fingers will be absolutely free.
At this stage of training, it does not hurt to rotate these fingers, making sure that the clamped wand remains motionless, and the little finger does not protrude.
After the first stage of training has been successfully completed, you can proceed to the next. To do this, place the second stick on top of your middle and index fingers, and press with your thumb.
Correct the position of the quaizi in relation to each other. The lower of them should protrude beyond the surface of the hand by literally 0.5 cm. This will allow you to perfectly align the pointed edges when gripping food and securely hold even the smallest pieces with chopsticks. An indicator of virtuoso skill is the ability to pick up a grain of rice with the tips.

Detailed instructions with a photo and a thematic video will help you sort out incomprehensible moments.

Method 1 of 4: Practice Holding Your Sticks

Take the top stick like a pencil. [1] Place the first stick in your dominant hand with the wide end facing outward and the narrow pointed end facing inward.
- Take the stick one third from the top.
- Place the wand against your index or middle fingers. The tip of your thumb should press down on the wand itself while holding it, and your index finger should be flat against the wand itself.
Place the bottom stick in front of your ring finger. The second stick should be facing in the same direction as the first, the tips should be aligned.
- Place this stick in the gap between your thumb and forefinger so that the stick presses more forward on your thumb rather than on your index finger.
- The other side of the wand should rest on the tip of your ring finger. Your finger should be one third down from the top of your wand.
Open the sticks with your middle finger. Press down on the top stick with the tip of your index or middle finger.
- Your index finger will also move with the wand and middle finger.
- Only the pointed tips of the chopsticks should be exposed. The thick ends should, on the contrary, come closer together without touching each other.
Close the chopsticks with your index finger. Press on the top stick with the tip of your index finger, bringing the bottom ends of the sticks together again.
- Your middle finger will also move with the wand and index finger.
- When you take a piece of food, place the chopsticks on either side of the piece so that it is in the middle. Press it down with your chopsticks.
five

Don’t move your thumb. [2] Keep your thumb straight as well, do not bend the knuckle.
- Your bottom chopstick should also not move as you eat.

Method 2 of 4: How to Use Chopsticks Properly

Separate the sticks if glued together. Disposable sticks must first be removed from the paper packaging and separated.
- Often the sticks are rubbed against each other to remove all the remnants of the protruding tree. This should not be done in polite society; this technique is called kosuri-bashi and is actually a taboo that should be avoided in every possible way.
Take the sticks with your dominant hand. They should be next to each other, in front of you. Raise the sticks with your dominant hand, holding them together.
- Take the sticks from above with the back of your hand facing you.
- The thumb and forefinger should be one-third of the top of the sticks. The little finger should be near the top of the chopsticks.
Line up the sticks with your other hand. Place your non-dominant hand under the chopsticks. Swipe your hand down one third from the top of the sticks.
- The sticks should still be horizontal.
- Place your thumb over the chopsticks.
Change your fingers. Hold the sticks confidently with your non-dominant hand, placing your dominant hand in the correct position.
- You will reach the correct position upon completion of the exercises.
- The bottom stick should sit comfortably between the base of the thumb and index finger, while the other side rests on the ring finger.
- The top stick should be balanced with the tips of the thumb and forefinger, or the index and middle fingers.
- Place the sticks with your left hand so that their tips are next to each other and the wide ends diverge slightly to the sides.
Remove your non-dominant hand. Remove it from under the chopsticks. You can now use chopsticks.
- Open and close the chopsticks around the food just like you used to practice.

Method 3 of 4: How to choose the right sticks

one

Know the standard length. In order to use the sticks correctly, it is important to know the size of the sticks that will fit your hands. There is a huge difference in adult man’s hand chopsticks and children’s pens.
- Standard sticks in a Japanese restaurant are 23 cm long. They are designed for the size of a standard adult male hand.
- For most adult women, sticks are 21 cm long.
- Ideally, children should choose sticks based on their age. Children between 1 and 2 years old use chopsticks 13 cm in length. At 3 years old, most children need 14 cm sticks, at 4 years old – 15 cm.The size changes in proportion to the child’s age. By the age of 12-13, most children use sticks 20 cm in length.
2

Measure the distance between your thumb and forefinger. Place your thumb at a 90-degree angle to your index finger. Measure from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger in centimeters.
- Although there are standard sizes, it is best to measure your hands and choose the sticks according to your needs to get the right size.
3

Multiply this distance by 1 1/2. The result will be the length of the sticks you need, in centimeters.

Method 4 of 4: Chopsticks Etiquette and Taboos

Place chopsticks in front of you when not in use. [4] Sharp points should point to the left.
- Do not place chopsticks on the plate at the end of your meal. This is called watashi-bashi, and is considered taboo. [5]
- Also, do not stick the chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice or other food. This taboo is called tate-bashi.
Do not poke the food with chopsticks. Food is taken with chopsticks. Do not use them to pierce food as if it were a fork.
- This taboo is called sashi-bashi or tsuki-bashi.
Do not move the chopsticks on the plate. Plates are passed by hand, they are not picked up with chopsticks.
- This taboo is called yose-bashi.
Do not transfer food from chopsticks to chopsticks. This is done at a funeral, when the bones of a cremated body are handed over. Can’t do it with food either.
- The official name for such a taboo is utsushi-bashi or hiroi-bashi.
Bring the chopsticks purposefully to the dish of your choice. Do not roll them over the table when choosing what to eat. This taboo is called mayoi-bashi.
- In addition, if you brought the chopsticks to the dish, then you need to take something from it. In this case, not taking food is considered a taboo, the name of which is sora-bashi.

Choosing the right sticks

But the degree of comfort during a meal depends not only on the correct position of the chopsticks in the fingers. Their size is also of great importance. In order to nimbly handle pieces of food, the ratio of the length of the fingers and the fingers themselves called kuayzi should be in maximum agreement.

In restaurants, all visitors are served sticks with a length of 23 cm. This is the ideal size for men of average height, the size of their palm is very often proportional to this length. But it should be borne in mind that the Chinese significantly step on the build of the Europeans. Therefore, for a large representative of the stronger sex of the Slavic people, such sticks may turn out to be small.
But for a small female palm, a length of 21 cm is quite suitable.
For children under 3 years old, the ideal size is 13 cm, by the age of 4 their length increases to 14 cm. By the age of 13, children may well resort to using twenty-centimeter devices.

To find out what size is needed for each specific case, you need:

measure the distance from thumb to forefinger with a ruler;
Increase the resulting distance by half;
The result of the multiplication will match the required length.

Varieties of Chinese chopsticks

The sticks can be round, flat, conical in shape. A distinctive feature of Chinese kuayzi sticks is a square base, which is convenient when using and fixing them on the table surface. Kuayzi are about 25 cm long, while for cooking they are about 38 cm long.

Disposable devices are produced in individual paper packaging, they are made in factories from untreated bamboo or wood. Two disposable sticks are connected to each other at the top – this shows that they have not been used by anyone yet. China has introduced a tax on the use of disposable wooden appliances due to the large amount of raw materials required to make them.

Reusable chopsticks are washed after meals and reused like other cutlery. They are also given out in restaurants or used as an individual appliance.

Materials used for manufacturing:

food grade plastic;
stainless steel;
precious metals;
varnished wood;
Ivory.

Gift and collectible items are made of valuable wood species, covered with gilding, picturesque images of paintings and patterns. Such devices are produced in individual and designer packaging, being a gift that symbolizes good luck, longevity or a happy marriage.

Wooden

Ivory

Plastic

Metallic

Chopsticks etiquette and taboos

Despite the fact that the Chinese are much more democratic than conservative Japanese in matters relating to food intake, and willingly forgive foreigners for minor mistakes and annoying misunderstandings, it does not hurt to remember the basic traditions and rules of behavior at the table, especially if you are planning a trip to such a distant country. …

It is categorically unacceptable to prick food fragments using a stick as an impromptu fork. Better to ask for the usual cutlery.
It is unacceptable to stick sticks into rice. Usually, such an action accompanies the burial procedures and is unlikely to be appropriate at a secular dinner.
You should not knock them on the plate in the hope of attracting the attention of the waiter. This gesture is inherent in street beggars, but not in a respectable person.
Even during heated discussions at the table, you should not gesticulate and use sticks as a pointer, much less point them in the direction of the person or object under discussion.
Some Chinese people allow themselves to transfer fragments of food from “sticks to sticks”, but it is better to immediately eradicate such a habit in yourself. Japanese traditions allow such actions only at the funeral ceremony of burial.

Instructional video with step-by-step instructions. What else is convenient to eat with chopsticks?

Chopsticks eat not only pieces of food, but also crumbly food. A bowl of rice in the east is raised to the head, and quickly wielding the rolled ends of the chopsticks, they send the rice grains directly into the mouth. If the bowl or plate is hot, then the eastern inhabitants, on the contrary, tilt their heads towards the bowl. But the latter is unacceptable in decent establishments, and it is better to wait until the dishes have cooled down.

It is important to be able to grab pieces of an exotic dish with them.

Soups can also be consumed with Nurabashi, Hashi, or Quaiji. At the same time, the thick is carefully snatched out of the bowl, and the broth is sipped from the edge, like from a cup. It is also convenient to grab sauerkraut, herbs and spaghetti with chopsticks.

All manipulations are carried out with the upper stick, and the lower one remains stationary.

And, of course, rolls, which do not recognize forks or knives, occupy a special place in oriental cuisine. However, using sticks to hold the rolls is quite simple. Rolls grab the sides, rise and dip in the sauce.

You need to eat a whole piece with chopsticks, without returning the leftovers back to the plate.

An attempt to grab the center with a filling or string the roll like on a skewer can lead to its collapse. In addition, piercing food with a stick is considered extremely inappropriate in some Eastern cultures.

The amazing mental abilities of the inhabitants of Japan are associated with highly developed motor skills of the hands, since children are taught to use hasi almost from infancy.

Features of training sticks

In the culture of eating with the help of quaiji, it is important not only to capture food with their help, but also to fix it all the way to your plate or mouth. A fallen piece can put you in an awkward position, stain your clothes, therefore, before using Chinese chopsticks in a public place, you need to repeatedly try to use them at home, replacing the rest of the cutlery for a while. Workouts can be done on food or objects, such as a piece of foam rubber.

For training, devices with rings for memorizing the desired position of the fingers and children’s models are produced.

A special feature of the training devices is a special clamp or retainer that connects two chopsticks and allows you to understand the process of how the chopsticks are held. Learning instruments can be requested at a restaurant or used at home. There is a theory that the possession of kuaizi will come after 1000 meals consumed with their help.

Sources used and useful links on the topic: https://KitayGid.ru/istoriya/kak-pravilno-derzhat-kitajskie-palochki https://mykitai.ru/strana/eda/kak-pravilno-derzhat-kitajskie-palochki.html https://www.nippon.com/ru/features/jg00060/ https://SushiWok.ru/kolomna/articles/kak-pravilno-derzhat-palochki-dlja-sushi/ https://ru.wikihow.com/ % D0% B4% D0% B5% D1% 80% D0% B6% D0% B0% D1% 82% D1% 8C-% D0% BF% D0% B0% D0% BB% D0% BE% D1% 87% D0% BA% D0% B8-% D0% B4% D0% BB% D1% 8F-% D0% B5% D0% B4% D1% 8B https://posuda-gid.ru/kak-polzovatsya/169-kak -pravilno-derzhat-kitajskie-palochki https://severdv.ru/lajfhaki/kak-nauchitsya-est-palochkami-dlya-sushi/

Post source: lastici.ru