The use of chopsticks by the Chinese is a tradition passed down from ancient times, formerly known as "zhu". The use of chopsticks in daily life is very particular. The following introduces the taboos of using chopsticks.
1. Three long, two short:
This means placing chopsticks of uneven lengths on the table before or during a meal. This practice is considered very inauspicious, because in ancient China, it was believed that after a person's death, they would be placed in a coffin. Before the lid was on, the coffin consisted of two short planks at the front and back, and three long planks on the sides and bottom. Together, these five planks made a coffin that was "three long, two short," so this is considered an extremely unlucky thing.
2. Immortal pointing the way:
This practice is also considered unacceptable. The way to hold the chopsticks is to pinch them with the thumb, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, while extending the index finger. This is tantamount to pointing at someone, which is like cursing and is not allowed. Another situation with the same meaning is pointing at people with chopsticks while talking to them during a meal.
3. Tasting chopsticks and leaving a sound:
This practice is also not allowed. It involves putting one end of the chopsticks in the mouth and sucking on them back and forth, making a hissing sound from time to time. Sucking on chopsticks while eating is itself an impolite act, and adding a sound makes it even more offensive. Therefore, this act is generally seen as a sign of poor upbringing and is also not permitted.
4. Striking bowls and plates:
This practice is also against the rules. It involves using chopsticks to strike bowls and plates during a meal. In the past, only beggars would use chopsticks to strike their begging bowls; the sound, combined with their pleas, was meant to attract the attention of passersby to get alms.
5. Holding chopsticks and surveying the city:
This refers to holding chopsticks and acting as if no one else is around, using them to search back and forth among the dishes on the table, not knowing where to start.
6. Lost chopsticks, digging a grave:
This refers to constantly digging around in a dish with chopsticks, as if searching for prey, much like a tomb raider digging up a grave. This is also considered inauspicious.
7. Tearful chopsticks, lost pearls:
This actually refers to when, while serving food to your own plate, your hand is clumsy and some sauce or soup drips onto other dishes or the table. This is considered a serious breach of etiquette and is also unacceptable.
8. Reversing heaven and earth:
This means using chopsticks upside down during a meal. It's like saying "so hungry you can't be choosy," to the point of disregarding all propriety and using the chopsticks backward.
9. The needle that pacifies the sea:
Using a single chopstick to spear food in a dish during a meal is considered disrespectful to the other people at the table.