Don't do Them When Using Chopsticks
DON'T Placing Chopsticks Unevenly
Chinese people regard it as inauspicious to place a pair of chopsticks unevenly on the table before, during or after a meal. They call it "son thong liang duan", or " three long and two short", which indicates death. According to traditional Chinese customs, dead bodies were placed in coffins in the past. In those days, coffins were made from two short boards at the front and back, and three long ones at the two sides and the bottom-hence the saying. Therefore, it is taboo to place one's chopsticks unevenly on the table.
DON'T Pointing at Others with Chopsticks
You should never perch your chopsticks between the thumb, middle, ring and little fingers, while sticking out your index finger, as it implies abuse. In most cases, Chinese people point at others with their index fingers to scold them. Therefore, such a movement is unacceptable. It is also considered bad manners to point at others,with your chopsticks, while chatting during a meal.
DON'T Sucking the Chopsticks Noisily
Usually, if one sucks his/her chopsticks in his/her mouth, while making noises, he/she is considered to have been raised improperly. This is similar to the belief that one should drink his/her soup quietly.
DON'T Striking Plates or Cups
Chinese people believe it is obscene to strike one's plates, cups or bowls with chopsticks, because, in the past, only beggars struck their bowls while begging.
DON'T Searching from Plate to Plate
Suppose that someone around you uses or on the table while transferring food from the serving dishes to your plate or bowl. If this happens, you should immediately apologize, as it is regarded as a serious breach of etiquette.
DON'T Reversing Heaven and Earth
When using chopsticks, you should be careful not to put them upside down; otherwise, others will look down upon you, as if you were a hungry beggar.
