Chopsticks are a traditional cutlery in eastern countries. Despite the apparent inconvenience, with their help they eat not only sushi and rice pancakes, but even liquid soups. Like everything in the life of oriental people, sticks have not only a household purpose, it is a traditional attribute for rituals and ceremonies. And in everyday life, this art corresponds to a whole set of rules, etiquette, which must be observed so as not to offend the owner of the table. Compared to this, the stick control technique itself seems like a mere trifle.
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Instruction manual
1
Despite the fact that food with special chopsticks has deep roots, its etiquette and traditions, learning how to use them is quite simple. Oriental babies quickly learn the basic movements, although they barely turn a year old by then. Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisines have long spread beyond the borders of their countries, so following the traditional ritual of accepting oriental food is simply necessary.
2
Chopsticks not only help bring food to your mouth, but also give the meal a traditional oriental flavor. It is difficult not to be inspired by oriental patience and calmness, so that without adventures you can deliver the tidbit to its destination. The fingers and small muscles of the hand participate in the work with the sticks, which after the first training session may whine unusually.
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To get started, just learn to hold the sticks, and then add movement, at the third stage of the workout, work with small objects, like peas. Press the ring finger and the little finger of the working hand to each other, pull the middle and index fingers out.
4
Put one stick on the hollow between the thumb and forefinger so that the thick end is on top of the palm. Put the lower (thin) part of the stick on the area between the second and third phalanx of the ring finger. The upper edge of the stick should protrude quite a bit, while the lower working end should be quite long so that you do not stain the sleeve. The lower stick always remains motionless, so from the beginning learn to firmly fix it.
5
Put the second (upper) stick on the third phalanx of the middle finger, holding the index and thumb. This stick will move, pressing food to the end of the lower stick, so you need to keep it so that the movements are natural, and therefore convenient. It feels like a pencil, only the fingers are more straightened. The protruding ends of both sticks should be the same.
6
Try to imitate the grip of the forceps with chopsticks, remember that the lower stick is motionless. If you are uncomfortable holding the ring finger and little finger together, then when you open the tongs, move them apart. This will help to relax the muscles of the hand, which at first will be very tense.
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Bringing sticks together and grabbing food, do not push hard, otherwise the food will slip out or fly to the side. The grip should be sufficient to hold the food, but not flatten it.
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Observe etiquette: β’ do not play with chopsticks during breaks in food β’ do not carry them on the table, do not βdrawβ or knock β’ do not prick food on sticks. If you still do not know how to use them, it is better to ask for a fork, and then practice at home; β’ Do not lick the sticks and do not pick them in the mouth β’ Do not shake the chopsticks to cool the food. If the food is too hot, wait a bit.