The Chinese nation invented chopsticks in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). They can perform whatever the fingers perform, and they are exempt from either heat or cold. Further more, when using chopsticks, one actually flaxes more than 30 joints, including the shoulders, arms and fingers, and 50 muscles.

Eating in China is always associated with chopsticks, acclaimed by many Western scholars as a hallmark of Oriental civilization. However, Western visitors often find themselves starving because they cannot use chopsticks.

It is difficult, however, to describe how to use chopsticks. First, place one chopstick on the third finger and clip it with the thumb; then clip the other between the index finger and the middle finger. When picking up food, use the upper chopstick and keep it flexible like a clipper. But, as the saying goes, it is easier said than done, and practice makes perfect.

You may wonder if there is any yardstick by which to measure your proficiency of using chopsticks. Well, try peanuts. If you can pick up a peanut, then you are fine; If you can pick up two, then, congratulations!