chopsticks

The meanings and symbols of chopsticks are rich and varied, reflecting the profound cultural connotations of China. The shape of chopsticks is round on one end and square on the other, symbolizing "the sky is round and the earth is square", representing the basic understanding of the universe and nature of the Chinese. As tableware, chopsticks are usually composed of two pieces, implying "one gives birth to two, two gives birth to all things", symbolizing that all things are composed of yin and yang, complementing each other and indispensable. The standard length of chopsticks is seven inches and six points, representing the seven emotions and six desires of human beings, reminding people to control their desires in order to achieve success. In addition, the upper and lower round design of chopsticks is easy to grasp and not easy to slip, implying that doing things and being people should be round on the outside and square on the inside, with principles and sense of proportion. The use of chopsticks also contains the concept of yin and yang balance. When picking up food, one moves and the other is still, symbolizing the balance and harmony of yin and yang.