The
first mention of the rods appeared 4 to5 thousand years ago, and of
course it was in China. The very first version of the sticks used for
cooking food. And there was only one stick, which was very convenient to
mix food in oblong clay pots. At first there were just a long (much
longer than the current) branches. It is impossible to establish the
exact date when they became cutlery. But it happened in about 400-500
years BC.
One
of the factors that contributed to the spread of sticks was a sharp
increase in the population. Had to increase the rate of food production,
and to accelerate the pace of life in general. To cook faster, the
Chinese began to cut it into strips, so do not waste time cutting and
cook faster. Thus, the food became just the ideal shape and size to have
it just wooden sticks. Especially because their production was so cheap
and fast.
was
reduced popularity of knives. For the most part due to the teachings of
Confucius, who, incidentally, was a vegetarian. He believed that the
knife is not the tool, with whose help should eat the food:
"A
decent and honest man keeps away from the slaughterhouse and the
kitchen. He will not allow a knife lying on the dine table. "
This explains the fact that the rods at both ends blunt. Not be able to pierce the food as a fork.
Somewhere
a century later, they emigrated to other Asian countries: Japan,
Vietnam, Korea ... the only difference was in the form of: Japanese made
from a bamboo stick and were connected at one end. And even in Japan
they are more used during ceremonies. But despite their differences,
they still remain the most popular cutlery.
Sticks
But first, of course, was not so cheap and easy to manufacture. And
still later appeared silver sticks to determine the poison in the food.
It was believed that the silver turns black, working with hazardous
substances to humans. But, unfortunately, this has not been confirmed in
practice. Some poisons silver is not determined, moreover, it has
responded to hydrogen sulfide, which contained a rotten egg.
For
some, perhaps, is the great secret of the fact why the Chinese eat with
chopsticks even rice. In untrained hands, and even more so with crisp
rice just no chance. Asians have the same oblong rice and a clay
consistency, so it is not difficult.
Interesting Facts:
- First spoons in China looked like a spoon with one hand, and on the other end was sharp like a fork.
- In the ruins of the city of Yin was not only found the first evidence of writing, but also the first copper rod.
- Traditionally, chopsticks made of wood or bamboo, unfinished. A Japanese - finish.
- cane etiquette a very important part in the Asian culture. It can vary from place to place, and even from person to person, but for the most part, all the variations are general provisions
1. Is considered bad form, if you pierce your food stick;
2.
Digging stick food around some pieces cannot. This is called "digging
its own grave" and is considered to be simply inexcusable.
3. Banging sticks on the edge of the bowl - so do the poor.
4. If children hold chopsticks correctly, then it will affect their parents.
The Japanese etiquette cannot be:
1. To cross sticks on the table.
2. Stick upright stick or two in Fig. This is a funeral custom.
3. Chopsticks to transfer food to another person.
Taiwanese in etiquette cannot be:
1. Chew, chew on, or keep in your mouth for too long.
2. Use sticks to get leftovers from the bowl.
3. Putting sticks on the table. There is a special utensil.
In Korean etiquette not:
1. Take the sticks before the elders.
2. Hold the bowl too close to the mouth to grab a meal.
3. Eat rice. To do this, use a spoon. Only the poor use chopsticks for rice.
During Vietnamese etiquette not:
1. Have sticks in the shape of V, after the end of the meal. Considered a bad omen.
2. Take food from the table, and immediately there. Must first be put in a bowl.
3. Hold the sticks in the mouth while choosing food.
