Basic taboos
Except those manners, we also have taboos when we have meals with other. First of all, about the selection of tables. When choosing a dinning table, prevent those tables with sharp corners. Although some of them really have a sense of design, the sharp corners of tables are regard as bad symbols. People think sharp corners will make the family unhealthy. In China, people trust in ” 天圆地方 “, which is the manifestation of the theory of Yin and Yang. It is better to choose round tables or square shape tables, but table corners with angles that have arcs are also good choices.
Secondly, the position of tables. When you are placing the dinning tables, do not make tables facing the door or restrooms. If you put the table in front of the door, people who enter the door will know what you are doing immediately. People think restrooms are dirty and tables facing the restroom will bring bad luck to the family.
Thirdly, when you are eating: 1. Do not rush to eat before the seniors and leaders. 2. Do not talk with others when food is still in your mouth or talk with someone who is still eating. 3. Avoid sneezing, hiccuping, coughing and other noises when you are eating together. If you can’t stop those sounds, drink water or go to any place until you feel better. 4. Sometimes, it is good to make some noise when you have meals, which means the food is tasty and you really enjoy them. However, not everyone enjoy the noise made by chewing especially when people gather together. 5. No smoking when you are eating with others. Smoking is harmful to everyone. 6. Do not make a mess with the tablewares or use tablewares to point at someone. 7. Do not directly pick teeth in public. Using tissue to cover your mouth is better.
Things you shouldn’t do with chopsticks
- Do not use the chopsticks to knock the bowl, which is really impolite.
- Do not wander chopsticks over several foods without decision.
- Do not pick up food by stabbing it.
- Do not lick the tips of the chopsticks or make noise with chopsticks in your mouth.
- Do not pull plates or bowls around with chopsticks.
- Do not stick the the chopsticks on the rice.
- Do not hold two sticks together as one would grasp a knife to attack or make a mess by using chopsticks.
- Do not intersect the two sticks, which looks like your are denying others.
- Do not drop food to another bowl.
Special taboos:
Fish: After finishing eating one side of the fish, do not flip it to the other side. People think flipping the fish is equal to flipping the boat. ( especially in coastal areas)
Noodles: If you are eating noodles, your parents or grandparents will tell you not to bite off the noodles. Because long noodles mean long life.