Thank you for looking at my wonderful items! These chopsticks were purchased as a souvenir from a flower shop in Bessho Onsen. They are "yakuyoke" chopsticks (for warding off evil), so they would be great for the New Year! I hope they find a good home! I am quite a clean freak, so I take care with hygiene, but they have been stored in a personal chest. This is just my personal opinion, so please refrain from purchasing if you are overly concerned. Also, I apologize for the length, but please also read my profile. Thank you very much.