Each year on National Chopsticks Day, people all over the world celebrate the humble and ancient utensils on February 6th. Have some fun with chopsticks today. Make a game out of picking up peanuts or jelly beans with them.
Put away the forks and spoons, for today is National Chopsticks Day. They may or may not be new to you. But, for about 1/4 of the world’s population, chopsticks are the eating utensils of choice for every meal. Like western children, Asian children, quickly learn to use chopsticks, and quickly become adept at using it. To them, forks are an odd utensil.
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.
Chopsticks can be made of wood, bamboo, plastic, bone, fine china, or metal. In China they are called “Kuaizi”, which means “quick little bamboo fellows”.
Chopsticks have been in use for over 5,000 years. They originated in China, and are used in virtually all Asian cultures. How their use spread to other countries is not known.
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 they may be made from wood such as bamboo or aspen. Elaborately carved chopsticks may be carved from jade, ivory, or wood. Some chopsticks are ornately painted with miniature scenes.
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this dinner time holiday. However, it seems to have been observed since at least 2012.
To participate in National Chopsticks Day, use chopsticks for all of your meals. Chances are, you will eat Chinese or other Asian food with your chopsticks. But, you can eat any foods with chopsticks today.
