February 6 - National Chopsticks Day

Happy National Chopsticks Day! Each year on February 6th, people all over the world celebrate the humble and ancient utensils. 

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.

The Chinese term for chopsticks is kuai-tzu.

Once these handy eating tools found their way to the dinner table, the 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. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Use chopsticks to eat your meals. Practice using chopsticks or teach someone how to use them. Share your favorite set of chopsticks or your favorite meal to eat with chopsticks. 

Visit your favorite restaurant where chopsticks are provided. Make sure you give them a shoutout as well!  

Of course, you should invite someone to celebrate with you, too! Maybe ask them to join you in a chopstick competition to see who is the most proficient using them. Be sure to use #NationalChopsticksDay to share on social media. 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this dinner time holiday. However, it seems to have been observed since at least 2012. 

#NationalChopsticksDay 

@nichecinema