Dear Master Cecil,

We got a gift for our baby from a relative. It is made of wood. There is 'chopsticks' in the box with chinese words saying 'Family Happiness' (He Jia Huan Le). We have it in our bedroom. Wonder where is it best to be placed? Attach is the picture. Thanks.

Yours,

Anon

Dear Anon,

Actually, the gift of "chopsticks" isrelatively new.

I hope, you don't mind me frankly letting you know:-

In the past, it was not wise to lend or give chopsticks because of it has a similar sound like "zhu" or "halt". Thus is especially not good or an appropriategift.

It is especially best to keep the gift or store it away.

Nowadays, there is another set of "chopsticks" gift i.e. two chopsticks placed ontop of a bowl - kept in a glass display frame. This is again not favourable. This is similar to one praying to the dead ancestor i.e. it's offering to the dead. And this is thus also considered very inauspicious.

Since chopsticks does not have any good meanings, it is best to keep them and not display them.

Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 1/25/2005 8:32:39 AM, Anonymous wrote:

Dear Master Cecil,

We got a gift for our baby

from a relative. It is

made of wood. There is

'chopsticks' in the box with

chinese words saying 'Family

Happiness' (He Jia Huan

Le). We have it in our

bedroom. Wonder where is

it best to be placed?

Attach is the picture.

Thanks.

Yours,

Anon