NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY
Each year on National Chopsticks Day, people worldwide celebrate the humble and ancient utensils on February 6th.
#NationalChopsticksDay
Around 1200 B.C., Chinese cooks began using chopsticks to prepare food. These tools were likely long enough to reach into hot cooking pots. Then about 400 B.C., when fuels for cooking became scarce, food was prepared in smaller pieces reducing the number of resources needed to cook it. At the same time, the need for sharp eating utensils faded, and shorter chopsticks entered the scene.
The Chinese term for chopsticks is kuai-tzu.
Once these handy eating tools found their way to the dinner table, they spread around the world. Portable and elegant in their design, they also vary in style from region to region.
Today chopsticks may be made from wood such as bamboo or aspen. Elaborately carved chopsticks may be cut from jade, ivory, or wood, and artisans may ornately paint some chopsticks with miniature scenes.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY
Use chopsticks to eat your meals. Practice using chopsticks or teach someone how to use them. Share your favorite set of chopsticks or your favorite meal to eat with chopsticks. Visit your favorite restaurant where chopsticks are provided. Make sure you give them a shoutout, too! Of course, you should invite someone to celebrate with you, also! Maybe ask them to join you in a chopstick competition to see who is the most proficient using them. Be sure to use #NationalChopsticksDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this dinner-time holiday. However, it seems to have been observed since at least 2012.
Chopsticks
Q. Is it difficult to learn how to use chopsticks?
A. No. Learning how to use chopsticks just takes practice and a little bit of dexterity.
Q. Are there rules to using chopsticks?
A. Yes. There are several etiquette rules that apply to chopstick use. If you’re concerned about properly using chopsticks visit everythingchopsticks.com.
February 6th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
1917
The California Associated Raisin Company trademarked the Sun-Maid name. Just two years before, advertising executive E.A. Berg created an advertising campaign inspired by the very raisins dried by the sun. In an interesting twist of fate, Sun-Maid executive Leroy Payne spotted a young Lorraine Collett in a red bonnet and asked her to pose for a painting that would later become the Sun-Maid logo.
1937
Covici Friede publishes John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows two migrant ranch workers, George and Lennie, who dream of owning their own ranch someday. Steinbeck adapted the book into a three-act play.
1935
Parker Brothers sold its first Monopoly game. Originally called “The Landlord’s Game,” it was created in 1903 by Lizzie Magie.
1971
Alan Shepard delivers airmail like he’s never seen before when he hits two golf balls on the Moon. During his third mission to the Moon, the Apollo 14 astronaut took three swings with his specialized club to hit the two golf balls, making the first golf drives in space.
February 6th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
Babe Ruth – 1895
With some of baseball’s most colorful nicknames, including the Sultan of Swat, Babe Ruth captivated baseball for 22 seasons. During his career, he spent most of his time with the New York Yankees but he left a curse with the Boston Red Sox and also spent time with the Atlanta Braves.
Ronald Reagan – 1911
The 40th President of the United States served two consecutive terms in the Oval Office. Before being elected to any office, Reagan was an actor in Hollywood and president of the Screen Actors Guild. Just two months into his administration, an assassination attempt would be made on his life. He would recover to see to the end of the Cold War and an era of peace and general prosperity.
Mary Leakey – 1913
The British paleoanthropologist made many discoveries during her career but one of the most important came in 1948 when she discovered the first fossilized skull of Proconsul africanus. This early ancestor of both apes and humans lived about 25 million years ago.
Thurl Ravenscroft – 1914
The voice actor is best known as the original voice of Tony the Tiger for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. “They’re Grrrreat!”
Tom Brokaw – 1940
The noted television journalist anchored the NBC Nightly News for 22 years. He is also the author of The Greatest Generation.
Bob Marley – 1945
The pioneering Jamaican musician brought reggae to the masses with the band The Wailers. Some of their most popular songs include “No Woman, No Cry,” “Three Little Birds,” and “Stir it Up.”
Natalie Cole – 1950
The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter earned a legendary reputation in her own right for her jazz and soul music. Known for her albums including Inseparable, Everlasting, and Take a Look, but she also recorded Unforgettable, an album of cover songs previously performed by her father, Nat King Cole.
Honorable Mention
Mary Rudge – 1842
Anne Bethel Spencer – 1882