In Japan, you're never supposed to pass food to someone with chopsticks. I had learned this in college, and had seen many Japanese parents teach this rule to their children, but I had forgotten the reasons behind it.
When my wife's mother passed away I was reminded of the origin of the taboo. After her body was cremated, everyone in the family, including her great-grandchildren, picked up her remaining bones with chopsticks and passed them to a priestess, who used chopsticks to place the bones into an urn.
To offer someone food when it’s out of reach, pass the plate it’s on so they may reach it with their chopsticks. Never use your chopsticks to pass food and expect someone to receive it with theirs.
'Thank You Mike for that information....I have eaten in Chinatown many times, in San Fran (the best Chinatown), also in Phila. I still can't eat with chopsticks very well, but fortnunately I am getting lessons from my 2 little Grandchildren who have mastered the art of using Chopsticks, better than their parents!!! I thought that was an interesting story, and a cute funny one too!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a Great Day.....Robin
Robin,
ReplyDeleteThank you and keep doing as I do; learn from Grandchildren !
Cheers,
Mike