Chopsticks: How are they used across Asia?
Culture
Chopsticks in Asia are over 5000 years old. Originating from China, they began to spread to Japan and Korea by 500 A.D.
In ancient times, chopsticks were made from trees or bamboo. Initially, they were utilized as sticks to retrieve food cooked in a pot or from fire. Because of fuel shortage, food was cut into very small portions before it was cooked, eliminating a need for knives.
Some cultures also believe, it was used to ensure food, like porridge, cooled faster. Consequently, chopsticks became a utensil of choice, with more than a 100bn chopsticks used every year.
Japan: Chopsticks are shorter and taper down to a pointed end.
Korea: Chopsticks are flat, not circular. They are usually made of metal.
China: Chopsticks are made longer and thicker than in other areas of the world. They have tapered ends, as opposed to the pointy ends of Japanese chopsticks.
China
Shape
The Chinese have a practice of sharing food, thus chopsticks are long so people can reach dishes that are far away. Hotpots, a common delicacy in China, are also easier to dive into using long chopsticks.
Etiquettes
It is considered rude to spear your food with the chopsticks, dig around the food and to tap your chopstick on the bowl.
Japan
Shape
People don't share food because they believe once their lips touch the chopsticks, their spirit is attached to them, thus they need shorter chopsticks. The Japanese also eat a lot of fish, and pointier chopsticks are easier to remove bones with.
Etiquettes
It is considered rude to cross your chopsticks on the table, stick your chopsticks vertically in rice, or transfer food from your chopsticks to another person.
Korea
Shape
The use of metal can be traced back to the 7th century. People believe that silver chopsticks can detect arsenic poisoning. The chopsticks are thus flat to save on the material cost of using expensive metals.
Etiquettes
It is considered rude to pick up utensils before your elders, bring your bowl close to your mouth, or use chopsticks to eat rice (spoons are used).