I gleamed this bit of knowledge from my dinner this past Saturday evening:
Chopsticks originated in China during the Shang Dynasty (1766 – 1122 BC) as a substitute for knives at the table. According to Confucius, knives were equated with acts of aggression and should not be used to dine. Chopsticks then became the eating utensils of choice as neighboring Asian counstries adopted its use and modified it according to cultural preference.