Today I wanted to look at a few international/common items that you might run into based on where you travel or who you hang out with.
Japanese Tea Rules:
Before taking up your cup, bow to any other guests who have arrived, before the tea arrives. Pick up the cup with your right hand, bring to chest level, hold there with both hands for a moment. Turn the bowl clockwise 2 quarter turns, drink the tea in several sips. When finished, turn the bowl counter-clockwise 2 quarter turns so that it is back in its original position. Place the bowl in front of you on the tatami just inside the seam. When finished, make a formal bow to the host.
Chopsticks:
(If they are given in paper) Slide the chopsticks out, lay them North-South, with the blunt/joined end to the north. Take the wrapper, hold it horizontally, then tie it into a knot, place to the right side of your plate (near 2-o-clock position), rest the mouth end of your sticks on the knot. If they must be snapped, snap them in your lap, not over your food. Use chopsticks with everything (including soup), the one exception is sushi. Chopsticks should always rest together, parallel to each other.
NEVER use them to: spear food, point, separate them on opposite sides of the plate, make an X, stick them in your rice so they stand up.
This was a basic look at chopsticks to get you started, though there are other rules that you should learn before you travel.
Note: It is key that the food is brought to chest level or higher while using chopsticks
These are foods that follow Kashrut, a Jewish dietary law. Animals acceptable for eating must be "clean" the "test" for this is if they eat the cud and have cloven hooves. This also removes byproducts of ritually unclean foods. Anything that is served must also not contain blood as it is "life". Depending on how orthodox the Jewish hosts/guests may be, it may be common to not accept fish and poultry during the same meal.
For more guidelines you can read Leviticus and Deuteronomy, or ask a Jewish friend/family member.
Muslim Eating Etiquette:
Never eat with the left hand, it tends to stay at your side for the entirety of the meal, this is due to the left hand being seen as impure. It is common for women to not eat with the men. Hands should be washed before and after the meal.
These are just a small view into some specific guidelines that exist, as with the past few days. Remember, no matter if you are staying in the states or you are traveling abroad, educate yourself on accepted dining etiquette rules.
This is the end of another series, and the topic for next time will be: Pioneering
Bon appétit!
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