They were once metallic in order to ascertain toxins. One local word sounded like another taboo word in oceanic circumstances so it got banned, and it is suggested to be iniquitous etiquette to share items using these. What are they, and what reference is made concerning death rituals?

lanfranco

Chopsticks. Silver chopsticks would turn black if poison were present in food, so naturally imperial personages preferred them. Many interesting etiquette issues are detailed on the site below. Apparently, in Japan, one is not supposed to transfer food with chopsticks to someone's else's pair, since this is how bones are transferred at funerals. And it hadn't occurred to me that you could kill someone with a properly-thrown chopstick. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chopsticks Aug 07 06, 1:59 PM

peasypod

Very Good Frankie, and I thought it was a cute thing when I heard they are translated to 'quick little fellows'. ;) Aug 07 06, 6:08 PM