National Chopsticks Day

It's National Chopsticks Day! Chopsticks trace their beginnings to China, to at least 1200 BCE, during the Shang dynasty, when they were used for cooking, not eating. Consisting of twigs from trees, they were used to reach into deep cooking pots to retrieve food. Spoons were the utensil of choice in China until the fourth century when chopsticks overtook them following a population boom. With fewer resources to go around, cooks wanted to save money on fuel, so they cut food into smaller pieces for cooking. Chopsticks were ideal for eating smaller food portions, and the shift also reduced the need for knives while dining.

The Chinese philosopher Confucius was an advocate for chopsticks and can be credited for helping raise their popularity. A vegetarian, he thought sharp utensils would remind diners of the slaughterhouse and that knives would bring warfare and violence to their minds. Because of his beliefs, chopsticks became more widespread throughout Asia. By 500 CE they had spread to modern-day Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.

The name "chopsticks" likely comes from the Chinese Pidgin English words "chop chop," meaning quick. Chinese chopsticks are known as kuaizi ("quick little fellows" or "quick ones"). They have rectangular, blunt ends, and are 9 to 10 inches in length. Japanese chopsticks are known as hashi ("bridge"). Rounded, with a pointed end, they are shorter than Chinese chopsticks, being about 8 inches for men and 7 inches for women. Early Japanese chopsticks, known as tong chopsticks, looked like tweezers, being made from a piece of bamboo that was joined at the top. This style of chopsticks is now used as training chopsticks for children.

The first disposable chopsticks were created in Japan in 1878. Disposable chopsticks are common today, being made of bamboo, wood, or plastic. Throughout history, wealthy diners have been known to use chopsticks made of brass, ivory, jade, coral, agate, and silver. Chopsticks are held between the thumb and fingers, traditionally being held in the right hand no matter if the person using them is right-handed or left-handed. Chopsticks are ubiquitous in East Asia and used to eat East-Asian cuisine all around the world. They are particularly important for eating with today because it's National Chopsticks Day!

How to Observe National Chopsticks Day

Celebrate by eating with chopsticks! Find a recipe or two to make that would be ideal for chopsticks, or visit an East Asian restaurant. If you are new to chopstick use, watch a tutorial to be versed in the proper way to use them.

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