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Chopsticks
by W.Holidays

chopsticks courtesy of the Japan Guide

There are actually several types of chopsticks. Japanese chopsticks are pointed, while Chinese chopsticks have blunt ends. Chinese chopsticks are the longest and made of bamboo. Korean chopsticks are medium in size and made of a silver material. There are chopsticks used specifically for cooking and some for eating. Each person has their own set of chopsticks.

How to use chopsticks.
Rest the upper half of one stick between your thumb and forefinger on your right hand (or left, if you're left-handed).
Hold the lower half of the stick firmly against your ring finger.
Hold the second chopstick as you would hold a pencil.
To work the chopsticks, keep the first stick stationary.
Move the second stick up and down to pick up your food.
This takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, you won't be able to stop.

Here are some guidelines for using chopsticks authentically.
Chopsticks should never be stuck in or used as spears for food.
Do not pass food from your chopsticks to someone else's.
Do not use your chopsticks at a pointer or wave them around to express yourself.

modified April 6, 2008