The "What" and "How To" of chopsticks? In ancient times, chopsticks were called 'Zhu'. At that time, our ancestors liked to steam or boil food. It was difficult for them to use spoons to dip vegetables in the soup. So they cleverly invented 'Zhu' to nip food, thus it has become the most convenient tableware in their lives. Development of chopstick has experienced a long history. Early in Xia Dynasty, the shape of chopstick was still in development. Chopsticks only became two sticks of the same length in the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC). In the late Shang Dynasty, the tyrannical King Zhou ordered his craftsmen to make chopsticks from elephants' teeth, which was seen to be the most luxurious chopsticks in the early history of Chinese food culture. The appearance of chopsticks said goodbye to those days when our Chinese ancestors had to use their hands to grab food, so they featured the coming of civilization to food culture. The invention of chopsticks has many scientific theories. The lever principle of mechanics was applied into practice. The point where two chopsticks crossed is the pivot of the lever. First, don't use chopsticks to hit the side of your bowl or plate to make a lot of noise, because Chinese people think only beggars would do this to beg food. Second, when you use chopsticks, don't stretch out your index finger, which would be regarded as a kind of accusation to others. Never use chopsticks to point at others. Third, it is thought to be an impolite behavior when you suck the end of a chopstick. People will think you lack family education. Fourth, don't use chopsticks to poke at every dish without knowing what your want. And last, don't insert chopsticks vertically into the food. Chinese people do this only when they burn incense to sacrifice the dead. Nowadays, chopsticks serve many new functions besides tableware. For example, you can buy a pair of exquisite chopsticks as a gift to your friends and relatives. In Chinese, 'chopsticks' reads 'Kuaizi', which means to have sons soon, so a newly-married couple will be very happy to accept chopsticks as their wedding gift. Skillful craftsmen painted beautiful sceneries on chopsticks to make them like fine artworks. Many people love to collect these dainty chopsticks as their treasure. Chopsticks are small but they are adored by many people in the world. An interesting experiment shows that many joints and muscles are being exercised when you use chopsticks. They certainly make you cleverer, don't they? It's maybe the first question for traveler when he/she goes to Japan or China. At first glance, it seems totally impossible to learn to use them. It is a bit tricky, but before you get yourself a fork, remember that almost half of the people in the world use them! Even children uses them. So it cannot be so hard. It just takes a little practice. Chopsticks are used in all of eastern Asia, including China, Korea and Japan. There are differences in the sticks that have been used in different countries; Chinese people are used to eating with a little longer and more rounded sticks, while Koreans use metallic, pretty sharp sticks. When it comes to table manners the most severe seem to be Japanese so we'll deal with their manners regarding chopsticks rather than Chinese. I think the most important thing for foreigners is trying to be polite and use common sense. In Japan, remember that when you are drinking sake for example, you never help yourself. Always wait the person next to you to pour sake for you. And as well, people next to you expects you the same. Only one thing to warn you; don't stick the chopsticks into the rice dish. It's considered extremely rude and it also tells about death according to old Japanese tradition. It's almost as bad as forgetting to take your shoes off when you step to the tatami floor. But that is the whole different subject. Now, I'm going to try to tell you about eating with chopsticks. 1. First take the stick #1. (it doesn't really matter which one of the chopsticks you choose) Keep it in middle of thumb and index finger. It's just as difficult as looks. But when you practice you should be able to do that. 2. Stage two. This one gets harder. Now take the other stick and try to steady it with the tips of your index finger and your middle finger. Try to keep it aligned with the other stick. 3. Remember that you always move the upper stick, not the first stick you took. The lower stick remains always on the same position. Try not to overstrain muscles on your fingers. Just take a relaxed hold of the stick So now you are ready to eat! Or then again, maybe not.. I advise you to practice with something. Try to catch marbles with them.. it's challenging enough! After that you can be sure that you don't lose your face when you are on important meeting and drop a piece of chicken to your knees.