In ancient times the rich used jade or gold chopsticks to display their wealth.
在古代,富人家用玉或金子制成筷子以显示其家庭的富有。
and slipping through we no longer take omens from their flight on this side and that; and even the most superstitious villagers no longer take off their hats to the magpie and wish it good-morning.
这些鸟对我们是有益的,虽然我们不再从它们的飞翔姿态来占卜吉凶,连最迷信的村民也不再对喜鹊脱帽行礼,祝它早安了。