As an indispensable eating tool in the daily life of Chinese, chopsticks not only have use value but also cultural value. Chopsticks have a symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, representing the spirit of unity and cooperation and the inheritance of etiquette culture. So what are some behaviors that are impolite and need to be avoided when using chopsticks?Let's take a look at it.
1. Three long and two short.
It is unlucky to place chopsticks of different lengths on the table before or during a meal, because in the past, it was believed that people were to be put into a coffin after death, and the structure of the coffin was three long planks and two short planks, so this practice was called "three long and two short", representing death.
2. Immortals show the way.
When using chopsticks, pinch the chopsticks with your thumb, ring finger, and little finger, and extend your index finger. In the eyes of Beijingers, this is known as "scolding the street", because sticking out the index finger while eating usually carries a sense of accusation.
3. Cross cross.
When eating, it is not acceptable to casually cross chopsticks on the table as it is considered a negation of other people at the same table. In addition, this practice is also disrespectful to oneself, because in the past, only criminals would make a fork when drawing confessions.
4. The landing is amazing.
Accidentally dropping chopsticks on the ground is a serious act of disrespect. Because it is believed that the ancestors are buried in the ground and should not be disturbed. If you accidentally drop your chopsticks on the ground, you should immediately draw a cross on the ground with your chopsticks to show respect for your ancestors and avoid disturbing them.
5. Leave a voice.
Putting chopsticks in your mouth and chewing repeatedly is considered a sign of unculture.
6. Knock on the bowl.
Tapping the bowl with chopsticks during a meal is considered a symbol of begging. In the past, only those who asked for rice would hit the bowl with chopsticks to attract the attention of pedestrians and give alms.
7. Patrol the city.
Using chopsticks to go back and forth on the table to find food is considered a sign of lack of cultivation and can make people feel like you have no one in your sights.
8. Creating a grave in a maze.
Using chopsticks to pick up food on a plate is like digging a grave, which is considered a sign of unculture and is offensive.
9. Tears and police beads.
When you pick up a dish with chopsticks, your hands are not flexible, and the soup drips onto other dishes or on the table. This behavior is considered a gross faux pas.
10. Turn things upside down.
When eating, use the end of the chopsticks instead of distinguishing the end of the chopsticks. This behavior is seen as a sign of hunger and can easily be misinterpreted as a hunger choice.
11. Dinghaishen needle.
When eating, use chopsticks to insert the dishes on the plate. This behavior is seen as an insult to the people at the same table.
12. Serve incense in public: When helping others serve rice, stick a pair of chopsticks into the rice and hand it out. This behavior is considered disrespectful, because in traditional culture, it is tantamount to giving incense to people.
First and foremost, dining etiquette is a cultural tradition and social norm that is a manifestation of how people respect each other and pay attention to the feelings of others at the dinner table. In family meals, if you don't pay attention to etiquette, it may bring unnecessary embarrassment and discomfort to the family, and even affect family harmony. Therefore, it is very necessary to learn and master dining etiquette.
Secondly, chopstick etiquette is also an important part of table manners. The use of chopsticks should follow some basic norms, such as three long and two short, the sound of the chopstick, and the guidance of the immortals, etc., which are all manifestations of impoliteness and disrespect. In addition, in the process of eating, we also need to be careful not to use chopsticks to point at people, knock on dishes, patrol the city with chopsticks, dig graves and other behaviors, which are all uncivilized manifestations.
Finally, we need to realize that etiquette is not just a superficial formality, but also a manifestation of culture and values. By learning and mastering dining etiquette and chopstick etiquette, we are not only able to get along better with others, but also to better understand and pass on our cultural traditions.