How to choose the best chopsticks for wedding gifts

"Couple chopsticks" are a popular gift item for weddings, Respect for the Aged Day celebrations, and as a way to express gratitude to couples, parents, etc. In particular, giving chopsticks as a wedding gift to celebrate the beginning of a new life for the couple is considered auspicious and an ideal gift. We will introduce why chopsticks are chosen as wedding gifts and how to choose them.

Why Chopsticks are chosen as wedding gifts

Chopsticks are said to be the bridge that connects people with food, and are an essential part of daily meals.

They also represent the auspicious meaning of "passing the bridge of happiness (chopsticks)," making them a perfect special gift. Chopsticks are used as a pair, and one is an important part that cannot be missing, so they are likened to a married couple walking together, supporting each other.

Because chopsticks are something you use every day, people will be happy if you choose a nice pair that can be used as a pair.

How to choose chopsticks for a wedding gift

Choose by budget

When choosing a wedding gift, it's easier to choose one based on your relationship with the recipient and your budget.

Short-time friends: Budget 3,000 to 5,000 yen

Close friends: Budget 5,000 to 10,000 yen

A boss who has been kind to you: Budget 15,000 to 20,000 yen

Brothers, sisters, and cousins not having a wedding: Budget 10,000 to 20,000 yen

You can choose expensive chopsticks as a gift, or if you find chopsticks with a design you like, we recommend combining them with a chopstick rest or other item to make a set and give it as a gift.

Choose chopsticks by material

Chopsticks have different characteristics depending on the material they are made from.

Ebony: Ebony, rosewood, and ironwood are considered the three most famous Chinese woods and are used as the base wood for high-quality chopsticks. Ebony in particular is extremely hard, dense, and durable. Its elegant, glossy black color is appealing and exudes a sense of luxury. Bamboo: It grows lushly all year round and its straight growth gives it a sense of vitality, making it an auspicious material for the prosperity of descendants. It is also light and flexible, making it very durable.

Beech: Beech is a representative tree of Japanese forests. You can feel the warmth of the wood, and the longer you use it, the more lustrous its texture becomes. The natural finish of these chopsticks will fit comfortably in anyone's hand. Luxurious lacquered chopsticks, such as Wajima lacquerware, are also recommended as gifts.

Also, in households where both spouses work, the number of people using dishwashers is increasing. In that case, choosing chopsticks that are dishwasher safe will make your spouse happy.

Chopstick shape

Round: The shape has no corners, making it comfortable to hold. Although it may be slippery, it has a clean, elegant appearance.

Hexagon: The turtle is an auspicious animal that symbolizes longevity. Hexagonal chopsticks are also considered auspicious because they resemble the shape of a turtle's shell.

Octagonal: Eight is said to be an auspicious number that spreads out into the future. Octagonal chopsticks are a recommended chopstick shape for wedding gifts, with the hope that the couple's new beginning will blossom.

There are many other shapes of chopsticks, such as triangular and square. Why not choose chopsticks based on their auspiciousness or ease of use?

Designs on chopsticks

Some lacquered chopsticks have auspicious motifs painted on them. We will introduce some of these auspicious motifs.

Crane and Turtle:

As the saying goes, "cranes live for a thousand years, and turtles for ten thousand years," cranes are considered to be auspicious symbols of longevity. Cranes are also considered to be a symbol of good friendship, as couples have a good relationship and stay together for life.

Owl:

Owls have been given kanji characters such as "Fukuro" (good fortune comes) and "Fukurou" (no hardships), and have been considered auspicious birds since ancient times.

Rabbit:

In Japan, rabbits are associated with the moon, and are considered to be auspicious because of the association of "moon = luck = fortune." They are also said to bring good fortune in business, prosperity of descendants, and good health.