Origin of the chopsticks

The Chinese invented chopsticks as a set of instruments to be used when eating but the reason behind that is not commonly known. Chopsticks were popularized by the great Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC). Chinese civilization, like all civilizations, is defined by what it terms to be "civilized". Knives at the dinner table are considered unacceptable (barbaric) since knives are viewed as weapons... and civilized people don't eat with weapons at the table. Which is why most Chinese food is chopped into small pieces before being served.

Traditionally, chopsticks have been made from a variety of materials. Bamboo has been the most popular material because it is inexpensive, readily available, easy to split, resistant to heat, and has no perceptible odor or taste. Cedar, sandalwood, teak, pine, and bone have also been used to make chopsticks for the greater population. The wealthy, however, often had chopsticks made from jade, gold, bronze, brass, agate, coral, ivory, and silver. In fact, during dynastic times it was thought that silver chopsticks would turn black if they came into contact with poisoned food. It is now known that silver had no reaction to arsenic or cyanide, but if rotten eggs, onions, or garlic were used, the hydrogen sulfide they released might cause the chopsticks to change color.

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