Chopsticks: interesting facts and a little history

The chopsticks used to eat food such as sushi are already familiar to even a child. Nowadays, only a lazy person or a person who is completely uninterested in Japanese cuisine has not tried to use them. However, few people know what sushi sticks are called and that they have a fairly rich history. This article is dedicated to these interesting devices for eating.

What are sushi chopsticks called?

A little history

Sushi sticks have now spread all over the world, but their original homeland is Asia. And before they looked a little different from how we know them now. Let's dive into the history of these products, which is quite interesting.

Leisurely eating in Japan

Historians report that the very first chopsticks that were used for eating appeared in China approximately 3,000 years ago . The Shang Dynasty was in power then. They were invented by Emperor Yu, who one fine day decided to get a hot piece of meat and used chopsticks for this. The length of the first products varied between 37-38 cm. For a long time they were used as kitchen utensils, and only after a certain period of time they began to eat with chopsticks - then their length became shorter (about 25 cm).

The very first sticks were made from ordinary bamboo - it was split into a couple of parts. One part was folded in half to create a kind of long tongs that could be used to pick up pieces of food.

The first sushi sticks were made from bamboo

From China, products gradually migrated to Japan (around the 12th century, when the Yayoi period lasted), where a whole culture appeared in relation to them. They came here in the same form as they were in China, but during the Asuka period, sticks appeared that were similar to modern ones, that is, divided. It is interesting that only aristocrats ate them, while the poor used their hands, but during the Nara period everyone began to eat them.

On a note! Beautiful sticks could be a wonderful gift for someone. For example, newlyweds in Japan were always given them with wishes of eternal love. The sticks were made from expensive materials, varnished, and beautiful patterns were applied to them.

Chopstick Museum in Shanghai

Traditions of use and history of creation

According to statistics, about 30% of the world's population uses chopsticks, the remaining 60% eat with forks or spoons, and the remaining 10% with their hands. They are most common in Japan, China, Vietnam, and Korea. Thais use these cutlery to eat noodles and even soup. However, the Chinese were the first to get the hang of eating them.

Every year the number of chopstick users is only increasing. This is due to the popularity of sushi rolls. Eating small meals slowly is also believed to provide some health benefits. Moreover, according to Chinese doctors, the one who operates such a device massages up to 40 important points on the hand. Products develop fine motor skills, memory, attention, which is why they are forced to eat with them from an early age.

One legend regarding the use of chopsticks while eating is associated with Emperor Yuwu, who reigned 3-4 thousand years ago in China. The sovereign was in uncomfortable field conditions; he needed to somehow get meat from a boiling cauldron. The ruler did this with the help of two branches. After this, the Chinese abandoned eating food with their hands and began using chopsticks for convenience.

Another version talks about the emperor’s concubine. She tasted the food before it went to his table. Once the girl did not have time to do this first, then she had to take a sample in the presence of the sovereign. The food was hot, she took a piece from the plate with a hairpin. Since then, this idea has been improved.

Chopsticks are most popular in Japan, China, Vietnam, and Korea.

You can even eat soup with chopsticks

The number of chopstick users increases every year

Modernity

Nowadays, not a single feast in Asian countries is complete without chopsticks. They are mainly used in China, Korea, and Japan. It is interesting that they were used for a long time in the land of smiles - Thailand, but then the king of the Thai kingdom, Rama V, decided to use eating utensils from Europe, and chopsticks began to be used less often - usually only for eating sushi or noodles. They are usually made traditionally from bamboo, maple, plum or cypress wood. And they can be either square or round in cross-section.

In Asian countries, not a single feast is complete without chopsticks.

Despite the fact that chopsticks are now actively used in many countries around the world, in Japan, eating with them is still a real ritual . And all dishes that are eaten with chopsticks are prepared in such a way that they do not have to be additionally cut by hand on the plate (for example, there are no bones in fish).

Japanese children begin to master the use of chopsticks almost from the cradle - it is believed that these devices can give a good workout to their hands and fingers and develop fine motor skills. Some children are able to use them for food already at the age of one year and are developmentally ahead of children who take food from a spoon.

Children master chopsticks from an early age

It is interesting that this item for eating can be male or female and, in general, is individual for each person. No one will give their chopsticks to anyone else. Chopsticks are almost a sacred symbol and should be treated with respect.

Interesting! When hired to work with small parts, a Japanese may be asked to quickly collect scattered beads using chopsticks as a test. And in some cases they can be a weapon - a correctly thrown stick can pierce through a solid object.

Today, chopsticks are almost a sacred symbol.
Chopsticks, which are used only once, are usually served in cafes and restaurants, packaged in individual paper covers. They can be made of plastic or wood. Moreover, the ends of the sticks will be sealed on top or under-split, so that it is clear that no one has used them before.

The chopsticks trick

There is an interesting belief - if, while breaking sticks, a person gets “uneven” breaks, that is, there is more wood left on one stick than on the other, then he should expect troubles in life.

Disposable Sushi Chopsticks

Chinese chopsticks

The birthplace of chopsticks is China and the first mention of them as cutlery dates back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD).

Chinese chopsticks are longer than those in other Asian countries and are approximately 25-27 cm, they are wider and heavier. The base is usually square, but there are also round ones. Plastic chopsticks have a blunt tip, while bamboo and wood chopsticks have a pointed tip.

In China, it is customary to serve side dishes on a large communal plate rather than individually. So long chopsticks make sense.

In China, unlike Japan, children immediately begin to use chopsticks of standard length.

So what are they called?

There are several names - it all depends on what country the name is in. So, in China they are called “kuaizi”, in Korea – “chokkarak”, in Japan – “hashi”, but there are other names. Also, depending on the country in which they are used, the sticks may differ somewhat in appearance.

Chinese kuaizi

Chinese kuaizi are 25 cm long and square at the base - this shape is created so that they do not roll on the table surface. Those used to create culinary masterpieces will be 1.5 times longer than table ones. In China, they are made from wood, bone, plastic, and metal. Disposable wood products here are called weisheng kuaizi. They are cheap and not of good quality, and before use they need to be rubbed together to remove defects and avoid pricking themselves on possible splinters.

Chokkarak from Korea are made of metal, very thin. By the way, only in Korea are chopsticks made of metal. Stainless steel is usually used, although previously the sticks were made of brass.

Korean chopsticks (chokkarak)

In Japan, these devices are called hashi or o-hashi. The latest variation is a tribute to this talismanic symbol. The Japanese are very sensitive to chopsticks, and therefore, even just talking about them, they use a respectful form of the name. As mentioned above, each family member has his own khasis. There are also various sticks that are used on certain days - for example, on New Year's Day or for the tea ceremony.

Khasi – chopsticks for all occasions

On a note! There are hashi that were invented by Sen no Rikyu, a tea master. There are also simple wooden sticks - varibashi. This is a one-time variation.

Reusable products can be called nuribashi. So they can just resemble a real masterpiece, they are decorated in every possible way and can be presented as a gift.

Decorated nuribashi (reusable chopsticks)

Korean menu: Chokkarak

The most important difference between Korean cutlery is the material: chokkarak are metal sticks made of stainless steel (previously made of brass), often decorated with plant patterns. It is believed that this tradition originated from the habit of nobles to fear for their lives. They used silver chopsticks because they believed that when they came into contact with poisoned food, the silver would change color.

When delivering Korean food, you need to keep in mind that metal chopsticks are heavier than wooden chopsticks, so you need to practice with them. Moreover, they are not round, but flat, so that it is convenient to squeeze food. The set usually includes a spoon - Koreans use it to eat soup and rice.

There is also a special stand...

In order not to put hashi on the table, the Japanese came up with a special stand for them. It's called "Hashioki". The word was formed from the word “oku” - to put. The stand is used like this: the hashi is placed on it with its thin ends, and they should be oriented to the left.

Stand for chopsticks (hashioki)

On a note! If there is no stand on the table, then hashi can be placed directly on the surface of the table itself or on the very edge of the plate. There is no need to place them across it, since, according to etiquette, this gesture means that the person no longer wants to eat.

A Little-Known Option for a Chopstick Stand
There is another interesting term that applies to chopsticks. This is hashibukuro, but it’s not the sticks themselves that are called that, but the case in which they are packed.

Sushi chopsticks with cover

Manufacturing materials and decor

Sticks are made from all sorts of materials, each of which is convenient in its own way. It could even be precious metals. Often the cutlery is beautifully decorated.

Products are:

• wooden (cedar, pine, bamboo, cypress);
• bone;
• stone;
• jade;
• silver;
• ceramic;
• steel;
• plastic.

The most popular ones are made of wood. They are the cheapest, which is important, because the products are short-lived. Recently, plastic chopsticks have also begun to be in demand.

Those cutlery that are made from cheap material (plastic or wood) are considered disposable. Reusable ones are usually made from valuable materials. Such sticks are almost always decorated with beautiful ornaments, engravings, and coated with varnish or mother-of-pearl paint. Gift items have an exquisite, rich design. These are typical of the Japanese “o-hashi”. The cost of the products is impressive, because these are real masterpieces that can be painted with entire paintings, gilding or precious stones. On more budget options there are hieroglyphs that speak of love, well-being, health, happiness or success.

Silver devices have come into modern times since ancient times. Previously, such chopsticks were used to check food for the presence of poisons. If the food was poisoned, the precious metal became dark.

Nowadays, wood products are more common, plastic products are less common. Jade utensils have almost been forgotten. Rarity - bone, gold, silver.

Ivory

Ceramic

Metal

Jade

Plastic

Silver

Amber

How to use chopsticks?

Many people think that mastering the skills of using hashi is extremely difficult. But with proper practice and constant training, as well as understanding the principle of operation, they can be used easily and naturally.

How to use chopsticks

Step 1. The first thing you need to do is take one of the sticks in your right hand.

The stick is taken with the right hand

Step 2. The thickened end of the stick must be placed on the skin between the index finger and thumb. A correctly laid stick should protrude 3 cm beyond the edge of the hand.

A thick horse stick is placed between the index finger and thumb

Step 3. The opposite end of the hashi should be placed on the ring finger.

The other end is located on the ring finger

Step 4. The fingers should be freely bent - there should be no tension in the hand.

It is important that you don’t feel tension in your hand.

Step 5. The stick laid in this way will be considered the bottom. And success in using hashi in general will largely depend on how clearly it is recorded. You should make sure that the lower stick lies freely, but is securely secured with your fingers. This stick will not move while you eat.

The bottom stick won't move

Step 6. Use your thumb to press the bottom stick to your ring finger.

The lower stick is pressed with the thumb to the ring finger

Step 7. You can check if the bottom stick is holding correctly. If it is positioned correctly, then the index and middle fingers will also move freely, and the stick will remain in place.

Check if the bottom stick is held correctly

Step 8. Now you need to take the second stick and hold it between your adjacent fingers - thumb and index. You should press it with your fingertips. The stick can be rested on the side of the middle finger.

The second stick is clamped with your fingertips

Step 9. To take a piece of food, you just need to grab it with the ends of the products and fix them in them.

How to hold food with chopsticks

Video - How to use sushi chopsticks

How to use a set of chopsticks for beginners

Video - How to make expensive and beautiful sticks?

Features of disposable chopsticks

In countries where chopsticks are used constantly, it is customary to purchase reusable products. Usually each family member has their own personal ones. After the meal, they are washed, dried, and then reused. In European countries, disposable (wooden) ones are most often used. The same ones are issued in restaurants or cafes for hygiene purposes.

Disposable chopsticks have been known since 1603, during the Edo period. Their occurrence, unfortunately, has led to excessive consumption of forest resources.

It doesn’t matter where sushi is purchased, in a specialized establishment or supermarket, disposable chopsticks should always be sealed. Each pair is made from solid wood. Their main difference from traditional ones is the longitudinal section. In other words, 2 sticks are fastened together - this is a sign that no one has eaten with them before. It is not recommended to reuse cutlery, because various pathogenic microorganisms can remain in the product and cause poisoning in the future.

Rules of etiquette

Chopsticks must be treated with respect and be sure to remember all the rules of etiquette associated with them. It is especially important to study this if you are planning a trip to Japan or another Asian country. Breaking the rules can seriously offend people who use hasi with all due respect.

1. Chopsticks can only be used to move food on a plate or bring it to the mouth. They can no longer be used in any way. Breaking food or picking at it with hashi is also prohibited.
2. They cannot be knocked on the plate or on the table.
3. If a person touches a piece of food with a chopstick, then he must eat it.
4. Shaking chopsticks, especially with a piece of food between them, is not allowed.
5. Licking and sucking them is prohibited. They also cannot be waved.
6. When using hashi, you cannot turn your hand over with your wrist up - this is uncivilized.
7. You cannot give your chopsticks to anyone.
8. Under no circumstances should you clasp them tightly in your fist - Japanese residents regard this gesture as a threat.

Rules for using sushi chopsticks

What is the difference between chopsticks in China, Japan and Korea?

Comparative analysis can be carried out using many indicators. Let's look at some of them:

• According to the material of manufacture:

1. Japan - chopsticks are made of wood and plastic.
2. China - mainly made of wood, bamboo and ivory.
3. Korea - usually made of stainless steel and silver of the highest quality.

• By form:

1. Japan - medium-length chopsticks with sharp tips, these chopsticks are easy to eat fish with.
2. China - long sticks with rounded tips.
3. Korea - medium length, flat, thin, with a cross section.

• By gender:

1. Japan - Women's and men's items differ in length. Women's chopsticks are shorter. At the same time, for children, the sticks are replaced as they grow.
2. China - there are no differences between men's and women's chopsticks. Children immediately use standard length sticks.
3. Korea - no difference. Children use chopsticks just like adults.

• By individualization:

1. Japan - in household use, chopsticks are individual.
2. China - there are no differences, all family members use it.
3. Korea - there are no differences, all family members use it.

• By use:

1. Japan - they eat not only solid food, but also liquid food with chopsticks. So, to drink soup, you should bring the bowl to your mouth and drink, using chopsticks to help remove the remaining contents. They eat sashimi, sushi, tempura, noodles, and soup with chopsticks.
2. China - rice and soup are eaten with a spoon. Chopsticks are used to eat noodles, fried dumplings, and fried foods.
3. Korea - liquid food is eaten with a spoon, just like rice. Kimchi, namuru, fried foods and vegetables are eaten with chopsticks.

Share in the comments how easy it is for you to use chopsticks or do you prefer to eat with a fork, even if it’s sushi and rolls?

Khasi and the environmental situation

Whatever one may say, the use of khasi for food has a significant impact on the environmental situation in the regions where they are actively used.

Table. Numbers and data.

On a note! Since 2006, China has introduced a special tax on chopsticks. Approximately 5% of sales of these devices is paid to the treasury. And some hotels have completely abandoned their use.

The use of chopsticks seriously affects the environment
. Thus, despite the fact that sushi chopsticks are a very interesting and indispensable device for eating this dish, it is best to get reusable chopsticks at home and save the environment.
Fortunately, you can now buy them in almost any store, and in some places they sell very beautiful sets for the whole family. As for the name, now everyone who has read this material knows the correct name for sushi chopsticks, and may well begin to use Japanese terminology. 5/5 (8)

Buy chopsticks

Aliexpress has a huge selection of chopsticks. The trading platform has long established itself as a reliable and profitable partner. Ali prices are cheaper than you can buy at retail, delivery is mostly free. In case of complications or lack of goods, the seller easily makes contact and corrects the situation. Such a large selection cannot be found in any store.

You can examine each product in detail and read customer reviews. The site presents all types of chopsticks made of various materials: Chinese, Japanese, Korean.

Interesting sets:

Reusable handmade bamboo chopsticks, natural wood

Chinese stainless steel chopsticks

ceramic chopsticks

general chopsticks sales page

Decor options

Sticks made from cheap materials are often disposable. Therefore, there is no point in decorating them. For reusable sticks, only the upper part is decorated with an ornament or covered with paints and varnish.

A special type - a gift set - can be decorated very elegantly, luxuriously, richly.

Most often they are decorated with Japanese chopsticks, so they are expensive. The Japanese paint entire pictures in hashi, the result is a real work of art. Such a gift is very valuable. Cheap hashi gifts are decorated with hieroglyphs that represent words that are significant to the Japanese: “happiness,” “health,” “success,” “well-being,” “love.”

The top of the hashi is coated with varnish or mother-of-pearl. There are even eating utensils with gilding and jewelry made of precious stones. Of course, no one eats with such devices; they are kept in the family and passed on from generation to generation. In Japan, it is customary to give the first hashi to a baby for 100 days.

Some modern manufacturers create real works of art. They decorate the Khasi with special “knobs” in the shape of animals, mythical creatures or unprecedented birds. It may not be entirely convenient to eat them, but they look decent.

Preparation for use

Before answering the question of how to properly use sushi chopsticks according to the rules of etiquette, you should dwell on the preparation process and the general characteristics of the device. The entire variety of these products can be divided into two groups:

1. Disposable chopsticks - used when serving food in Asian restaurants and food delivery services. They are most often made of wood or plastic, packaged in individual paper wrapping and used once. In this case, re-processing is not provided. Use of the device requires further disposal.
2. Reusable - made of metal, bone, or maybe wood, plastic, but of higher quality than disposable ones. The most common materials are cypress, maple, sandalwood or silver. In most cases, the devices have a mother-of-pearl coating, which allows them to be washed many times, dried and used in the future. As a rule, the use of reusable forms is simpler and more affordable.

Reusable

Disposable
In Russia, disposable variations are most often used, so it’s worth dwelling on them in more detail. In order to understand that the device has not previously been used by another person, you need to pay attention to the packaging. This is a paper or plastic envelope made to resemble sticks, that is, narrow and long. Often the logo of a company or restaurant is indicated on it; bamboo may be depicted.

If the packaging is damaged, open, dented, has external flaws, or is missing altogether, this may indicate that the device is being reused in order to save money.

Eating with Japanese chopsticks is not so easy, but if you understand the algorithm of actions and practice well, the process will not cause any trouble. You need to start by removing the wrapper. It tears at the base perpendicular to the packaging, that is, a small edge is torn off - so that the sticks can be taken out. Then you need to carefully remove the kit. For disposable devices, two sticks are fastened at the base. For ease of eating rolls and sushi, you need to split them. To do this, the sticks are carefully pulled in different directions. Only after completing all the preparatory steps can you correctly take the device and begin the eating ceremony.

When choosing disposable chopsticks, you should pay attention to the packaging - it should not be damaged

What are they?

Sushi chopsticks are a cutlery common in Asian countries; they are used to eat rice, fish, vegetables and other foods. For the Japanese, this is not just a device for eating, but a sacred symbol of good luck, prosperity, and longevity. Each resident of Asian countries has his own personal device; transferring it to another person is strictly prohibited, this is a bad sign.

Scientific research proves that eating with such a device is beneficial. The process promotes the development of muscles, fine motor skills, and also has a positive effect on a person’s mental development. Thus, children who began to eat with chopsticks from the age of one are significantly ahead in their development of their peers who are accustomed to eating with spoons.

Currently, sushi chopsticks are used in all countries, including the Russian Federation, but not as the main device. Traditionally, they are used in this capacity by residents of East Asia:

1. China - appeared during the Shang period, that is, more than 3,000 years ago. About 30% of all Chinese use them.
2. Japan is distinguished by its variety and variety of shapes and designs. Used by most Japanese people.
3. Korea - made of metal. This is the only state that uses metal devices everywhere.
4. Vietnam - produced in unsplitted form, that is, doubled; disposable devices are often served on the table.
5. Thailand - used only for eating noodles, introduced into use since the 19th century by decree of King Rama V.

Sushi chopsticks are in most cases associated with Japan, but these devices appeared long before our era in China. Over the centuries, they gradually gained popularity in the rest of Asia.

In Japan the device is called hashi. The manufacturing material is bamboo. Previously, for this purpose, a narrow plant trunk was taken, it was split, then folded across, thereby forming tweezers, also known as roll sticks. Only centuries later they began to make individual sticks from different types of wood. At the present stage, production is being improved, wood is processed using new technologies. Products made of metal and plastic also came into use.

In ancient times, cutlery was a symbol of wealth; it was used only by the nobility. That is why the Khasis were decorated, adorned with stones, jewelry, painted, and varnished. Ordinary workers and poor people had no idea how to properly hold sushi chopsticks, so they ate from bowls with their hands. Now all Japanese can afford this device; they use it and prepare food.

Longer sticks - up to 35 cm - are used for preparing dishes, stirring sauces, and beating products.

For the Japanese, sushi chopsticks are a symbol of good luck.

Using sushi chopsticks helps develop fine motor skills

Chopsticks are used not only in Japan, but also in many other countries

Using training sticks

Even the ancient sages pointed out that any person who has no idea about Japanese cuisine can master the art of using chopsticks correctly in 2 hours. By studying the theoretical principles and the classic algorithm of actions, you can easily learn to eat sushi and much more with the help of hashi.

Most restaurants and sushi bars have educational copies. This is done so that a person feels relaxed, without thinking about how to hold sushi chopsticks and how to deftly eat with them at the table. Such devices are given not only to beginners, but also to children who find it difficult to hold adult devices. The kit includes not only a pair of sticks, but also a special plastic holder. The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Separate the set so that you get two separate sticks.
2. Insert them into the holes of the holder, while you need to fasten the products as close to the base as possible to make it more convenient.
3. The resulting structure must be used like tweezers, that is, push it apart, pick up food, push it in.
4. Hold the food by bending your fingers and direct it into your mouth. The middle finger is responsible for this process.

It is worth understanding that only in theory the algorithm of actions seems complex and ornate, in practice everything is simpler. But before going to a restaurant, just in case, you can practice at home with a training copy to avoid embarrassment in a public place.

Culture of use and prohibitions

Chopsticks began to be used in ancient times. There are many traditions and customs associated with them that have survived to this day. This concerns the location of devices and their use.

In Japan, it is customary to present chopsticks during the holidays. Such gifts are relevant for weddings. Richly decorated cutlery symbolizes a comfortable and happy life. They are also given on the 100th day after the birth of a child. Then the baby eats rice with them for the first time. This supposedly brings the child intelligence and health.

Sometimes in Japan people are hired after passing a test, in which the main role is given to chopsticks. They transfer beads from container to container. Those who can operate the device perfectly are considered capable, intelligent people and are hired for the position.

Some Japanese carry hashi with them. They eat them in public places, when visiting, and consider them their amulet. And the Chinese are convinced that “kuai chi” develops the hand, increases immune defense, and improves health.

In order not to seem ignorant or violate the rules of etiquette, you need to know some rules for using these cutlery. Forbidden:

1. Use your utensil to touch other people's food, pass food on to others, or feed someone with your “hasi”.
2. Turn over or touch pieces of food in a common bowl.
3. Prick sushi or anything else. This is only done at funerals.
4. Shake chopsticks or stir food to help it cool faster.
5. Clamp the instruments into your fist. This seems like a threat.

Nowadays it is not at all uncommon to see people eating with chopsticks. More and more Japanese and Chinese restaurants and bars are appearing, so it would be useful to learn how to use such devices correctly. Of course, this cannot be done in a minute. But after practicing several times, everyone can easily enjoy the traditional dishes of these exotic countries.