NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY

NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY

Each year on National Chopsticks Day, people worldwide celebrate the humble and ancient utensils on February 6th.

#NationalChopsticksDay

Around 1200 B.C., Chinese cooks began using chopsticks to prepare food. These tools were likely long enough to reach into hot cooking pots. Then about 400 B.C., when fuels for cooking became scarce, food was prepared in smaller pieces reducing the number of resources needed to cook it. At the same time, the need for sharp eating utensils faded, and shorter chopsticks entered the scene.

The Chinese term for chopsticks is kuai-tzu.

Once these handy eating tools found their way to the dinner table, they spread around the world. Portable and elegant in their design, they also vary in style from region to region.

Today chopsticks may be made from wood such as bamboo or aspen. Elaborately carved chopsticks may be cut from jade, ivory, or wood, and artisans may ornately paint some chopsticks with miniature scenes.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY

Use chopsticks to eat your meals. Practice using chopsticks or teach someone how to use them. Share your favorite set of chopsticks or your favorite meal to eat with chopsticks. Visit your favorite restaurant where chopsticks are provided. Make sure you give them a shoutout, too! Of course, you should invite someone to celebrate with you, also! Maybe ask them to join you in a chopstick competition to see who is the most proficient using them. Be sure to use #NationalChopsticksDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this dinner-time holiday. However, it seems to have been observed since at least 2012.

Chopsticks

Q. Is it difficult to learn how to use chopsticks?
A. No. Learning how to use chopsticks just takes practice and a little bit of dexterity.

Q. Are there rules to using chopsticks?
A. Yes. There are several etiquette rules that apply to chopstick use. If you're concerned about properly using chopsticks visit everythingchopsticks.com.