More Chopsticks Trivia You didn't Know

• The Japanese call them Hashi, although they are sometimes referred to as otemoto, which is commonly printed on the wrappers of disposable chopsticks. Koreans say jeotgarak, while the Vietnamese refer to them as dua.

• Chinese chopsticks are typically made from bamboo and are 23 to 24 cm long, most often rectangular and are very slightly tapered. Their ends ar typically blunt , unlike Japanese chopsticks which are rounded, more tapered and end in a point. It's been suggested tis makes it easier to pick bones out of fish, a staple in the Japanese diet.

• While Chinese chopsticks are unisex, in Japan, men and women use different sized chopsticks (women's are typically 18cm and men's are 20cm) In Korea,chopsticks are made of metal.

• Despite its probable association (quick,jumpy notes), the musical piece played on yhe piano and known as "Chopsticks" has very little to do with the Asian variety. Its original name was " The Celebrated Chop Waltz" and it was composed to be played with both hands held sideways, little fingers the lowest, hitting the keys in a chopping motion.