Chopsticks are a common eating utensil in many Asian countries, used for picking up and eating food. It is customary in these cultures to rub chopsticks together before using them for the first time at a meal. There are a few reasons why people follow this tradition.
Removing Splinters
One of the main reasons to rub chopsticks together is to remove any splinters or rough edges from the sticks. Chopsticks are traditionally made from wood, bamboo, plastic, or metal. Wood and bamboo chopsticks can sometimes have splinters or uneven edges when they are new or if they have been reused many times.
Rubbing the chopsticks together helps smooth down these splinters and rough patches. This makes sure that the chopsticks are safe and comfortable to use without getting little splinters stuck in your fingers or lips as you eat.
Improving Grip
Rubbing chopsticks together also helps remove any lacquer or coating and improve grip on smooth chopsticks. Chopsticks can be coated with lacquer, varnish, or wax when they are manufactured. This gives them a glossy, finished look.
However, these coatings can make new chopsticks slippery and hard to hold. Rubbing the sticks together wears down the lacquer and exposes the natural texture of the wood. This gives them a bit of “tooth” and friction so they are easier to pinch and use.
Cleaning the Chopsticks
In restaurants, communal chopsticks are often provided at tables or set out in containers. Giving the communal chopsticks a quick rub helps clean off any oils, food particles, or germs left behind by previous users.
Even chopsticks wrapped in paper or plastic packaging can pick up dust or dirt during manufacturing, shipping, and storage. A quick rub when you unpack them helps get rid of any debris so you have clean utensils for eating.
Tradition and Etiquette
For many Asian cultures, rubbing chopsticks before a meal is tradition and part of proper table manners. It is respectful to the host or chef to start with clean utensils. Rubbing chopsticks together shows you care about hygiene and etiquette.
Making a ritual out of preparing chopsticks is also traditional hospitality in many households and restaurants. Taking the time to rub chopsticks signals care and appreciation for those you are dining with.
Superstition and Symbolism
In some traditions, there is meaning and superstition behind rubbing chopsticks that relates to luck, fortune, and symbolic gestures of respect.
For example, in Chinese culture sticking chopsticks straight up in rice is taboo because it symbolizes death or bad luck. Passing food from chopstick to chopstick is also considered improper between people because it resembles passing bones during a funeral. Rubbing chopsticks together helps “activate” them with good luck before using them.
Some believe rubbing chopsticks frees their spirit so they will have good fortune. Others see it as a gesture of thanks to the wood or bamboo the sticks came from originally.
When are Chopsticks Rubbed Together?
Chopsticks are usually rubbed together right before the first use at a meal, often as soon as someone sits down or picks them up.
At formal dinners or banquets, all guests may rub their chopsticks at the same time when signaled by the host before starting to eat.
Chopsticks are also commonly rubbed together when they are first provided in paper sleeves or packaging. If using reusable chopsticks, they can be rubbed each time before use at the start of a meal.
How to Properly Rub Chopsticks Together
When getting ready to use chopsticks, the proper technique for rubbing them together is simple:
- Hold one chopstick stationary in your dominant hand and rub the second chopstick along the length of the first one a few times. Then switch and repeat by holding the second chopstick still and rubbing the first one.
- Only move the chopsticks along their length. Do not twist or rub them around their circumference.
- Keep the chopsticks aligned and do not bend them while rubbing.
- 2-3 rubs along each chopstick is sufficient.
- Make sure to rub gently. There is no need to apply a lot of pressure.
This gentle rubbing removes splinters, improves grip, cleans the surface, and respects tradition without damaging or weakening the chopsticks.
Do People in Japan Rub Chopsticks Together?
Yes, it is customary to rub chopsticks together in Japan as well before starting to eat. The tradition traces back centuries and is an ingrained dining etiquette practice.
Japanese chopsticks are traditionally made from wood and are lacquered with a water-based coating. Rubbing the chopsticks wears down the lacquer and exposes the woodgrain underneath, which gives better grip.
Rubbing chopsticks together also cleans off any dust or splinters in Japanese culture. It shows respect for any communal utensils and appreciation for the host who has provided the meal.
Exceptions in Japan
There are a few exceptions where rubbing chopsticks is not practiced in Japan:
- Disposable chopsticks, usually made from plastic or bamboo, do not need to be rubbed together before use.
- Chopsticks provided in paper sleeves or packaging are considered clean already.
- Reusable chopsticks at restaurants may be rubbed by staff before setting tables, so customers do not need to rub them again.
- Rubbing is not expected at very casual meals or fast food places where chopsticks come packaged.
Overall, taking a moment to properly rub together reusable chopsticks continues to be common, expected etiquette in Japanese dining culture.
What Type of Chopsticks are Rubbed Together?
Wood, bamboo, and lacquered metal chopsticks are most commonly rubbed before use. The rubbing helps remove splinters, debris, and lacquer from these materials to improve safety and grip.
Plastic and disposable chopsticks do not need to be rubbed together as they already have smooth, finished surfaces and are not reused. Fancy decorative chopsticks are also often handled gently without rubbing to preserve their ornamental details.
| Material | Rub Together? |
|---|---|
| Wood | Yes |
| Bamboo | Yes |
| Lacquered Metal | Yes |
| Plastic | No |
| Disposable Bamboo | No |
| Fancy Decorative | No |
Is Rubbing Chopsticks Together Rude?
Rubbing chopsticks together is generally not considered rude. In fact, it shows manners and is the expected custom in many Asian cultures before eating.
However, there are some situations where rubbing chopsticks repeatedly during a meal could be seen as improper:
- Making excessive noise or rubbing too vigorously could come across as disruptive at formal or fancy meals.
- Rubbing chopsticks over and over could signal to the host that you think they are unclean.
- Do not rub disposable chopsticks, as they are designed for one use.
As long as chopsticks are rubbed together lightly before the meal starts, this is considered good etiquette and respectful in most dining situations.
Chopstick Etiquette and Manners
In addition to rubbing chopsticks, there are some other common chopstick etiquette rules to keep in mind:
- Do not use chopsticks to move bowls or plates.
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice.
- Do not pass food from chopstick to chopstick.
- Do not lick or suck on chopsticks.
- Do not cross chopsticks on top of a bowl.
- Use the opposite end of chopsticks to take from communal plates.
- Put chopsticks down on a rest or holder when not in use.
Learning the etiquette for using and handling chopsticks politely shows respect in Asian cultures. Rubbing chopsticks before eating is one small but important tradition.
Conclusion
Rubbing chopsticks together before eating is a common custom in many Asian dining cultures. The ritual serves both practical and symbolic purposes.
On the practical side, it removes splinters, improves grip, and cleans the sticks for hygienic use. Symbolically, it shows manners and is thought to bring good luck and fortune.
While disposable chopsticks do not need to be rubbed, it is standard etiquette to gently rub reusable wooden, bamboo, or lacquered chopsticks together at the start of a meal. Following dining traditions like this displays respect for hosts, food, and culture.