The recent controversial chopsticks remarks continue to ferment on major platforms.
The editor believes that, as a country composed of multiple ethnic groups, having a rich food culture is a major feature of Malaysia. The act of using chopsticks is only a continuation of the traditional habits of the Chinese, and it has nothing to do with dividing the ethnic group. On the contrary, those politicians who continue to stir up sensitive issues among the various races for their own political agenda are the culprits that create divisions between the various races.
The policy of imposing a unified culture can only superficially create a scene of great integration. If we really want to fundamentally achieve national unity, all ethnic groups must learn from each other, tolerate and respect each other's cultural differences.
Chopsticks, as traditional tableware of Chinese food culture, have rich meanings from appearance to usage.
As a Malaysian Chinese, I will be proud to tell you the meaning of chopsticks.
Chopsticks are seven inches six long, representing human emotions and desires. The seven emotions are joy, anger, sorrow, joy, thought, fear, and worry. The six desires are the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Represents the physiological needs of people.
Chopsticks are in pairs, representing the opposite of yin and yang.
The five fingers of the chopsticks represent metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.
The chopsticks are round at one end and square at the other, representing a round sky and a round earth.
Put your hands in the middle of the chopsticks, which means the heaven, earth and man are in harmony.
In addition, when using chopsticks, it is also very particular. If you have too much strength, you can't open it, and if you have too little strength, you can't hold the vegetables. This means that people in the world should know how to measure and know etiquette, and they should also know that the sky is high and the earth is thick.
As Malaysian Chinese, we must remember this pride no matter where we go, and we should share such a good culture with other ethnic groups, and we should also integrate into the culture of other races to make this multi-racial country more harmonious.