The basic eating utensil -
Chopstick, is a simple but powerful symbol of family closeness.

To some people, a pair of chopsticks is merely a simple utensil used by Chinese families during their meal times. However, chopsticks require a unique skill to handle, reflecting the innovativeness of our ancestors. Besides, a pair of chopsticks has been enshrined as part of the significant Chinese traditional customs and values, making an indelible mark on the psyche of Chinese throughout the centuries.

Since the beginning of the civilization, Chinese have paid special attention to the use of chopsticks. It has a critical role to play during important occasions, festivals and celebrations of all kinds. For instance, when paying respects to their elders as part of ancestral worship, chopsticks are placed together with the offerings of food and other items.

For a child who uses chopsticks for the first time, his or her parents will impart the correct method of handling chopsticks and the significance of chopsticks in their normal daily activities. Frequently, parents will stress that chopsticks when bundled together bring forth the message that unity is strength. There are certain taboos with regard to the use of chopsticks, such as, not sticking them into a bowl of rice. Younger people need to wait for the elders to start using chopsticks before they can commence to use their chopsticks at dining tables.

However, it has been noted that nowadays children and adults tend to use Western cutlery more often than chopsticks. This is in sharp contrast to the times of our elders. Hence, there is a need for us to reinforce the use of chopsticks so as to preserve our precious Chinese values, practices and culture. Indeed, even to the non-Chinese, chopsticks have been hailed as the 5th important discovery made by the Chinese.

When feudalism was still prevalent in the Chinese society, the high quality of chopsticks used by the rich had set them apart from the common folks who used cheaper chopsticks. Chopsticks were then part of the status symbols used to distinguish the rich and famous from the common folks.

Now that we understand the importance of chopsticks, are you familiar with the correct way to handle chopsticks? Put it simply, the thumb and forefinger are used to hold the chopsticks at a correct angle to pick up food while the other fingers are always folded towards the palm. With practice, even non-Chinese can master the technique of using chopsticks!

Certainly, we hope that Ah Gong Ah Ma chopsticks – a signature project of Lions Home for the Elders – will help engender even warmer feelings for the elders, giving them due respect, love, care and help children understand more about the Chinese culture. We appeal to generous donors to support the cause of Lions Home for the Elders in alleviating the sufferings of the underprivileged elderly and aged sick.Thank you for your benevolent support !

For more information, please visit www.lionshome.org.sg or contact Ms Jereen Toh (Corporate Communications) at 6359 9173.