What is kau chim sticks?

Kau Chim sticks, also known as fortune sticks or Oracle sticks, are a traditional divination tool used in Chinese culture. The sticks are usually made of bamboo and are about the length of chopsticks. Each stick is marked with a number or character and is inscribed with a fortune or advice.

To use Kau Chim sticks, the user must hold the sticks in their hand and shake them or roll them on a surface until one stick falls out. The number or character on the stick corresponds to a fortune or advice that can be interpreted by a fortune-teller or through the use of a guidebook.

Kau Chim sticks are often used in Buddhist and Taoist practices and are believed to provide guidance on a wide range of issues such as marriage, health, business and personal development. The practice of using Kau Chim sticks dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and is still popular today in many parts of East Asia.