Today is National Chopsticks Day – a fun holiday that we usually celebrate. Actually, we often use chopsticks at home — mostly because it’s just a fun thing to do. But today, being National Chopsticks Day, it’s almost mandatory.
Chopsticks were developed about 5,000 years ago in China. There is a famous tale that Confucius advised people not to use knives at the table because knives would remind them of the slaughterhouse. Chinese chopsticks are usually 9 to 10 inches long and rectangular with a blunt end.
Over a quarter of the world’s population use chopsticks as their primary utensil for eating. However, the first chopsticks were probably used for cooking, stirring the fire, serving or grabbing bits of food, and not as eating utensils.
Chopstick shapes and lengths vary according to region or country. Generally Chinese versions are tapered with blunt ends and Japanese chopsticks are shorter and more pointed.
So put the silverware away today — eat whatever you’re having with chopsticks and have a Happy Chopsticks Day!
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