Nowadays, the word “etiquette” can be heard in every country.
But everywhere there are their own characteristics that have been formed over many centuries. However, in the culture of any nation they acquired their shape depending on the traditions of communication, national characteristics and much more.
For example, guess in which country they won’t communicate with you if they don’t know your name? Of course, in England.
And in what country can you sing serenades under the balcony without the threat of getting a portion of cold water for it?
And the friendliness and nobility of the French are simply legendary.
But, since the sun rises in the east, we will probably begin our tour of the etiquette of different countries with it.
China
This is a country of calm contemplation of life. Everything in it is fused with nature into one whole, and people treat everything with respect. The etiquette fully reflects this.
Probably the most interesting tradition in China there is tea drinking.
This ceremony is carried out in specially designated places with extraordinary solemnity and leisure.
Everyone sits around a small table and drinks tea, brewed according to a certain recipe, pouring it into small cups.
There is always small talk at the table. By Chinese etiquette, while drinking tea you are supposed to smile and talk only about good things.
If usually all young people serve the oldest and most respected, then during this ceremony even the most important person can serve a cup to another, thus equalizing him in rights with everyone else.
You too can have a party at your home. Chinese tea party. To do this, you don’t have to wait for a special holiday; you can simply invite guests any day and talk over a cup of tea in pleasant company.
Türkiye
Turkey also has special rules of etiquette.
Women are required to wear long clothing that covers their arms and legs.
A man will not allow himself to go outside in shorts even in the hottest weather (I wonder how you will feel bundled up from head to toe in the middle of summer? But they tolerate it!).
Italy
This country is a recognized leader in the fields of spaghetti and football.
True Italians are impulsive and hot-tempered people, they love to argue and defend their opinions with all the passion they can, even when they are wrong.
Sometimes a whole neighborhood is busy sorting things out, but then everyone laughs merrily and hugs. Moreover, Italians attach great importance to gestures and facial expressions, so they express many of their emotions not only and not so much in words.
Agree, usually intense gestures are not approved. But not in Italy!
Spain
The peculiarities of this country are related to the climate. On hot days summer days the sun shines so brightly that it is simply impossible to stay under its rays for a long time.
Therefore, during siesta hours (from 1 pm to 5 pm) you should not disturb the Spaniards unless you want to be impolite.
Imagine if these rules applied to us: then we definitely wouldn’t have to go to school during the second shift or do any housework.
But maybe everything is fine, or maybe you won’t have a normal walk, because there’s no one on the street anyway.
Greece
In this country, it’s nice to be the hostess of the house, who will definitely receive a gift from the guests who come.
People usually give flowers or cake, but it is also customary to bring fresh fruit juice or homemade cheese. It’s great, though, to invite guests over: you don’t even need to set the table, because the guests will bring everything with them!
Sweden
Here they carefully monitor cleanliness and order, and protect natural resources. Garbage left after a picnic in the forest or on the bank of a river is subject to a heavy fine.
And it’s better not to enter someone else’s territory without an invitation.
But invited guests are always welcome here! If all people were, like the Swedes, organized and, at the same time, friendly, then there would be no need to remind us about the rules of etiquette.
Norway
In Norway, as in Sweden, they take nature very seriously and take care of every tree.
In addition, Norwegians are a fairly calm people who do not like unnecessary fuss and noise.
Silence and order are maintained in all public places. No one pushes their bags at the airport or train station.
Probably, there is something to learn from these people: let’s take an example from the Norwegians and let’s not push passers-by on the subway, even when we’re in a hurry.
United Kingdom
A rather strict country, famous for its pedantry and punctuality. If you are even 1 minute late, you will immediately reveal your bad manners and disrespect for others.
And with their visits it is even more difficult: first you will receive a nice invitation to a meeting by mail, and you will respond to it on an even nicer postcard.
You come, sit for half an hour, take your leave and go home.
But that's not all - then you need to thank the hostess in writing for the good reception.
This kind of number won’t work with us: would you really like to run to the post office twice for the sake of a half-hour party (first to respond to the invitation, and then to express gratitude to the hosts)?
Denmark
In Denmark, every owner takes very good care of his home.
You walk down the street and see rows of beautiful and neat houses on both sides.
Tiled roofs of houses look very elegant and festive.
This is how the Danes live, leading a calm, measured lifestyle.
They are not as punctual as the British (you can be late for an informal meeting by
France
The French are very well-mannered and delicate people, they are polite and friendly, talkative and tactful. It is customary to give flowers to girls, even if there are no holidays.
Imagine that for a birthday, guests themselves send bouquets of flowers and set the time of their (!) visit.
Do you think that flowers in our lives are a fairly common phenomenon and people have always given them to each other?
Not so! It turns out that this custom came to us from medieval times.
Gallant men compared the ladies to the flowers they brought with them on a date. Since then, this wonderful tradition has appeared.
Russia
In our country there is also a special etiquette. It took quite a long time to develop. Modern standards of behavior are very reminiscent of merchant etiquette.
You probably kiss your beloved friends on the cheek when they meet. Have you ever wondered where this custom came from? It originated in Rus'.
Back then it was customary to kiss people you liked on the cheek three times when greeting them. And here is another example of modern Russian etiquette.
Russian people are very hospitable people.
And it doesn’t matter at all what time of day or day a guest comes to you, with an invitation or due to a sudden outburst of emotions, you should still accept him (unless, of course, you are in a very big hurry), listen and advise something, if necessary .
But in general, it’s your own business whether to let a guest in or not.
As you can see, each country in our vast world has its own special norms of behavior. But they do not at all cancel generally accepted norms. In order to win over a person of any nationality, it is not at all necessary to thoroughly study the traditions of all countries (a whole life is not enough for this!), It is enough to be polite and follow the norms of universal human communication.
FEATURES OF ETIQUETTE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
G The main rule of behavior in a foreign country, which must be strictly followed, is to feel like a guest and behave accordingly, respect your hosts and represent your homeland with dignity. By your behavior, manners, appearance your country will be judged, so you should be sensitive and polite .
At the same time, do not try to judge the residents of another country right away and do not rush to conclusions. What seems strange to you may turn out to be familiar to this country. And what is accepted and considered normal in your country may be completely unacceptable in another, and without knowing the traditions and customs, you can accidentally offend a representative of another country or find yourself in an awkward situation.
In addition to special rules of conduct, each country has its own sign language and non-verbal speech.
In Holland, turning your index finger at your temple means that someone has said a witty phrase.
When talking about himself, a European will point to his chest, and a Japanese will point to his nose.
In some African countries, laughter signifies surprise or confusion.
The zero gesture, formed with the thumb and forefinger, in the USA means that everything is going well, in Japan it means money, and in Portugal it is considered indecent.
In Russia, raised eyebrows mean surprise, in Germany - admiration, in England - an expression of skepticism.
When a Frenchman or Italian taps themselves on the head with their finger, it means that they consider some idea stupid.
If a Briton or Spaniard slaps himself on the forehead with his palm, he will show others that he is pleased with himself. With the same gesture, a German will express his extreme indignation towards someone.
When a Frenchman is delighted with something, he connects the tips of three fingers, brings them to his lips and, raising his chin high, sends a gentle kiss into the air. If he rubs the base of his nose with his index finger, it means he doesn't trust the person he's talking about.
The Italian expresses disbelief by tapping his index finger on his nose. The same gesture in Holland means that the speaker or the one being spoken about is intoxicated.
In Middle Eastern countries, people offer money or gifts only with the right hand; if they do this with the left, they will thereby insult the interlocutor.
In Algeria or Egypt, the Arabic gesture of calling is similar to our gesture of farewell.
When communicating, it is very important to consider the distance between interlocutors. A distance of up to one meter is considered intimate. Communication at such a distance is accepted only between close people and friends. A distance of one to two and a half meters is considered official. If it is violated, the person begins to feel awkward. A distance of three meters and beyond is considered the “distance of indifference.” This is the favorite distance of bosses. At such a distance it is easy to give orders and instructions.
England
Compliance with formalities is a way of life for the British. The British pay attention to details first.
The British take table manners very seriously. Therefore, read and try to comply with the rules adopted in this country.
Never place your hands on the table, keep them on your lap.
Do not approach strangers at the table unless you are introduced to them.
Don't kiss a woman's hand or shake a man's hand
Don't make public compliments such as: "You have beautiful dress". This will be regarded as the greatest tactlessness.
It is not customary to talk with people at the table. by individuals. Everyone must listen to the one who is speaking, and you, in turn, speak in such a way as to be heard by everyone.
Never start talking about business until the dishes have been ordered, unless, of course, one of your partners himself starts a conversation on this topic.
If you want to let the waiter know you've finished your meal, place your knife and fork parallel. If you are just taking a break from eating, place your knife and fork crosswise.
In England Much is decided over tea. It is served in the afternoon. First of all, tea is offered to the guest.
Tea is drunk black or with milk and one or two pieces of sugar; It is not customary to drink tea with cream
After tea and sandwiches, you may be offered a scone, a special kind of small sweet bread with raisins. It comes with butter and jam, which you should take to your plate. The scone is cut in half and spread with butter or jam only on the part that is going to be bitten.
Tea drinking can end with a glass of sherry, which is used to celebrate the acquaintance.
France
How do you imagine a typical Frenchman? A sort of hero-lover, in between fights and novels, eating large quantities frogs. We must disappoint you, the French are not quite like that, or rather, not at all like that.
The French are characterized by extreme nationalism. They react painfully to the use of English or German during business meetings and are reluctant to learn any foreign language.
The French are proud of their national traditions. One of the main advantages is French cuisine, which is the subject national pride. If, while in France, you start praising any dish or drink, this will be welcome.
It is not customary to leave food on the plate, and if you want to salt the dish to your liking, be aware that this may be regarded as disrespect for the hosts.
As for alcoholic beverages, it should be noted that good wine accompanies a meal even when a Frenchman dines alone. The culture of drinking alcoholic beverages involves a glass of aperitif (port, anise liqueur or whiskey and soda) before lunch, three or four glasses of wine during lunch (white for fish and seafood, red for meat and cheese), and after dessert or coffee - fruit vodka, strong liqueur or cognac. The main requirement in drinking alcohol is moderation.
The French are friendly, talkative, prudent and thrifty. They get angry easily, get offended and never forgive neglect, even in small things. Distinctive feature The thing about the French is that, despite being sociable, they prefer to work alone.
The French often like to argue, they are very emotional, their temperament is reflected not only in conversation, but also in facial expressions and gestures. They like to judge others, but at the same time they take criticism towards themselves painfully. If you are in France, never forget this.
The generally accepted address to men is "Monsieur", to unmarried women - "Mademoiselle", to married women - "Madame". At work, it is customary for all women, without exception, to be addressed as “madam.” You can only call by name if you are allowed to do so. When meeting, men usually shake hands.
Germany
The Germans, like the French, are prudent and thrifty, more reliable and punctual, but are inferior to the French in their sense of humor and cordiality. Such traits of the German character as hard work, diligence and rationality, love of organization and order are well known. They are pedantic and skeptical, distinguished by their seriousness, taciturnity and restraint. They are characterized by a free way of thinking and great civic courage.
Like the French, Germans are proud of their country, its national traditions, and respect its history.
The Germans have a habit of describing both business and privacy by day and by hour. Punctuality and strict regulation are reflected everywhere. Special attention in Germany they will pay attention to your punctuality.
You don't have to give tips in a restaurant or cafe - they are already included in the price of your lunch or dinner. But if you still want to give them, then round up the tip to the full amount.
A distinctive feature of the Germans in conducting business is a high degree of formality. Germans are very reserved and adhere to form, which is why they often seem unfriendly. They disapprove of haste. All appointments are scheduled in advance. For example, they think about vacation plans six months to a year in advance. In Germany, the topic of World War II cannot be discussed.
Italy
Many people believe that Italians are similar in temperament to Russians, but business Italians are most often distinguished by a certain restraint and stiffness.
In a business setting, you introduce yourself using only your last name and then shake hands. Even women shake hands. The custom of kissing a woman’s hand is kept mainly in non-official use; in business communication it is rare.
When you arrive at an Italian airport, don't even think about carrying your suitcase yourself.
Don't try to hail a free taxi yourself. If you are at a hotel, ask the receptionist to call a taxi - it will arrive in a few minutes
When getting into a taxi, sit in the back seat. It is not customary to sit next to the driver here. Pay strictly according to the meter or a little more, but not much - Italians do not respect those who waste money.
Japan
The whole life of the Japanese is full of various ceremonies and is subject to strict protocol. When meeting, they exchange business cards in order to be able to find out their position in society relative to each other. Having received your card, the first thing a Japanese person will do is look at what company you work for and what position you hold. He will determine the status of your company in relation to his own and, based on this, will choose a course of action.
A business card in Japan is your “face”, your “other self”, so you need to handle it very carefully. If you hand a Japanese a crumpled, dirty business card(albeit with apologies), then his opinion of you will not be the highest.
When you want to give a Japanese a small gift, give it with both hands as a sign of deep respect. This is especially important when meeting with a person who occupies a high position. If your interlocutor is in a lower position than you, then it is better to accept his business card with one hand, otherwise you may embarrass him.
Before entering japanese house, you need to take off your shoes.
Instead of shaking hands, the Japanese bow deeply.
It is not customary here to sit with your legs crossed: this is a sign that the thoughts and statements of your interlocutor do not interest you.
When meeting Japanese people you should call full name and last name. The word "master" in Japan is replaced by the prefix "san" at the end of the word, that is, add "san" after the last name, for example Ivanov-san.
If for any reason you cannot arrive on time for negotiations, be sure to notify your Japanese partners about this. The Japanese are very punctual and do not like being late.
Talking about work after the end of the working day is not forbidden in Japan.
When communicating with the Japanese, never get excited
If your Japanese partner nods his head while you speak during a negotiation, this should not be taken as a sign of agreement. This means that he understood you. In general, the Japanese always listen carefully to their partner, do not interrupt him or make comments. Even if you are nervous, try to remain calm outwardly.
Lastly, try to avoid talking about World War II.
When you come to the United States, never forget about the so-called " American dream". A person who, through exorbitant work, although not always righteous, has amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune or made an amazing career - this is the ultimate dream of almost all Americans.
The biggest American value What really deserves attention is individual freedom. Americans are simply crazy in a good way words, on the inviolability of one’s personality. They constantly defend their rights in court and will not allow anyone to offend them with impunity.
Muslim countries of the Near and Middle East
Muslim countries are characterized by general rules etiquette determined by religious beliefs.
Five times a day in Muslim countries, work is interrupted to perform prayer (namaz). If you are not a Muslim, then you do not have to pray, but you should be respectful of your Muslim partner and not prescribe business meetings during the time of prayer.
During Ramadan (the holy festival) of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, work stops at noon. Thursday and Friday are days off for Muslims.
When you come to a Muslim’s house, do not be surprised if he kisses you on both cheeks - this is a national custom. Moreover, you should respond in kind and also greet him with a kiss.
Remember that Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol.
In Pakistan and some other Islamic countries, people also eat with their hands, or rather, they use only their right hand. The left one is considered so unclean that if it even accidentally touches food, the owner will immediately order the dish of food to be taken away from the table. Note, however, that this does not apply to a vessel containing water.
When meeting on the street, Muslims limit themselves to shaking hands.
In the countries of the Middle East, disparaging statements about women are completely unacceptable (a harem here is considered an honorable and holy thing, and a woman, as a wife and mother, is surrounded by special honors, despite the fact that she is not allowed to sit at the same table with guests).
In Muslim countries, it is better not to touch on topics related to politics and religion.
Arab countries
Achieving success with business partners in Arab countries also contributes respectful attitude To local customs and traditions.
In Arab countries, they prefer coffee without sugar, very strong, with a lot of cardamom. If you drink a cup of coffee and give it to the owner, he will immediately pour more into it. And this will continue until you alone drink all the coffee from one pot. If you don’t want to drink anymore, then shake the cup from side to side or turn it upside down.
When refreshments are offered before coffee, it means the meeting is coming to an end.
During a conversation, Arabs often ask questions regarding your health and the health of your family. Try to answer them briefly and not ask your partners such questions.
Australia
Having arrived in Australia, before going through customs control, throw the canned food, rolls, half-eaten sandwiches and even fruit seeds you brought with you into the large trash cans located in front of the customs counters. If you don't follow this advice, you could be fined up to $.
Australians are a sporty nation, so if you start talking about sport, they will happily join in the conversation. Another favorite topic of conversation is relaxation.
Like Russians, Australians love alcoholic drinks. Their wines rival those of France in quality, so when you try an Australian wine, don't forget to compliment them.
When heading to visit the Australians, take a small souvenir.
Australians don't give of great importance clothes and dress simply.
When you find yourself in an unfamiliar country, wait to show politeness and gallantry. Sometimes it has a meaning completely different from what we are used to. And you won't look very nice.
For example, if you habitually give up your seat to an elderly person in Norway, you will thereby demonstrate that you are physically healthier than them. And this is insulting.
Feminism knows no boundaries, therefore, if you try to pay the bill for a woman in America, you risk running into a lecture on gender equality, and that she is able to pay for herself, and there is no need to show that you have more money, than hers. For the same reason, don't try to carry her bags. And for compliments, if she is not in the mood, you can even end up in court, as for harassment.
Feel free to slurp when visiting the Chinese. This way you show that you have delicious food and really like everything. To be convincing, it would be nice to stain the tablecloth with sauce. And this is quite serious.
When giving a compliment in Finland, you will first have to be alone. In front of everyone, it doesn’t count.
In Norway it is better not to praise anyone at all, not to show attention or sympathy. They will think that you are flattering or minding your own business.
If you are visiting Greek friends, be careful with your enthusiasm for the interior and things in the house. Because the owners will have to give you the thing you like. And you don’t need her at all, you just said it out of politeness.
Many nations perceive a raised thumb as a sign that you have deceived them in some way, teased them, mocked them, or played a prank.
It is not known whether it is worth warning, but do not wash dishes at a party. The omen is bad.
When in South Korea you are tortured with insanely spicy food, it is considered normal to sneeze, cry, choke and cough. It's like you said that it tastes great to you.
If you don’t voice a burp in time in Mongolia and Buryatia, they will feed you until you burst. There is a burp - the stomach is full, it’s simple.
Unlike us, the Japanese and Norwegians carry odd number flowers.
Don't blow your nose in front of everyone if you're in Japan.
In Indian families, words of gratitude are not spoken to each other. Everything is ours, there is no need to waste time saying “thank you.” Although, you shouldn’t say that to strangers either. If we are talking about a gift, praise it, say that you really like it and have been dreaming of it all your life.
If in Central Asia During the conversation, they gradually pour tea into your bowl, this is a sign of respect, they want to spend more time with you. If you pour it once and it’s full, finish it and go. There's no point in sitting around.
The Chinese bring fresh flowers to the dead, and dead ones, that is, artificial ones, to the living. So as not to fade. In China, for example, you need to avoid the number 4. They don’t even have fourth floors.
In the southeast, you cannot stroke a person’s head, or point your foot in the direction of the person when sitting cross-legged.
If we pass a hookah into each other's hands, then the Arabs put it on the table. Don't stick it in your hands, they'll think you're forcing it.
Japanese employees cannot leave workplace before their boss.
In Russia, as you know, you can “jinx it.” Therefore, you are unlikely to hear that a Russian person is doing great, everyone is healthy and everything is in order. And if you praise children, they will make you spit and knock on wood.
Don't finish your glass in Georgia. Because they will give you more and more.
The ancient Chinese sage Confucius said that all virtues have their source in etiquette. The background of etiquette, the formation of standards of decency in society, and manners of behavior in society are contained in the traditions and customs of the ethnic group, the uniqueness of the cultural and historical development of the people. Culture always implies the preservation of previous experience. Therefore, understanding the traditions of etiquette, their study and continued use in the lives of people of the third millennium will help avoid the spread of nihilism and radicalism in society.
Tradition - this is the transmission over a long period of time - from generation to generation - of such elements of social and cultural heritage, as social attitudes, norms of behavior, values, customs, rites, rituals. Traditions are the mechanism by which society and groups introduce their values and norms into the consciousness of people. They stabilize society, the life of an individual group. For example, traditions of both European and eastern peoples provision is made for the groom to receive the bride's dowry. Dowry, we read in the dictionary of V.I. Dahl, - “the wealth of the bride, which follows her by inheritance, or as a gift from relatives; wife's property." It was put on public display so that anyone could see the valuables that the bride and groom received after the wedding. In the Russian language, proverbs have been preserved to this day: “Believe the dowry after the wedding,” “The dowry is in the chest, and the fool is in the hand.” A train was equipped to transport the dowry, i.e. a series of carts following one after another. To emphasize the wealth of the bride's dowry, more or less heavy things were laid out on several carts. The train moved through the most crowded streets, stopping at intersections. During the transfer of the dowry, the gathered guests, relatives of the bride and groom, with things in their hands, danced on the street, despite even the bad weather. When the music died down, they sang funny songs. This tradition is still alive. For example, on the wedding day they demand a bride price (a symbolic payment for the bride's dowry), and the marriage cart noisily passes through busy places.
Violation of established traditions is perceived as sacrilege, blasphemy. Researcher ancient Russian culture B.A. Uspensky even introduces a special term "anti-behavior" In our opinion, the events in Moscow in early XVII centuries. Representatives of the Polish gentry (nobility) arrived in the capital for the wedding of the Russian Tsar False Dmitry I(1605-1606) and daughters of a Polish magnate Marina Mnishek(died in 1614). The hatred of Muscovites towards guests from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was a consequence of the disrespectful attitude of the Polish side towards Russian traditions. In Orthodox churches they behaved without any respect: they entered there wearing hats and weapons, leaning on the tombs with the relics of miracle workers. During the wedding ceremony, the customs established in Rus' were grossly violated. Having eaten and drunk, the nobles began to dance. In Russia, it was considered shameful and indecent for respectable people to jump around and do kneeling. Dancing was the lot of buffoons. The Soviet poetess N. Konchalovskaya in her book “Our Ancient Capital” figuratively expressed this desecration of national traditions:
Polish gentlemen dance to the music,
Russian beauties are ashamed to look at.
I have never seen such shame before:
The female sex dances intoxicated.
I had never even heard of girls walking through the Kremlin loudly.
The gentry wanders around the ancient capital,
Playing mischief in the middle of a clear day -
In the ancient cathedral they sit on a tomb,
The spurs clink brazenly against the slabs.
Religious etiquette was also violated: only an Orthodox wife could be the wife of the Russian Tsar, and Marina Mnishek adhered to the rituals of the Roman Church. The marriage to a Catholic and her coronation became the last straw in the patience of Muscovites: a popular uprising broke out, during which False Dmitry I was killed.
Custom- a stereotypical way of behavior that is reproduced in a certain society or social group and is familiar to its members. To this day, we wave to those leaving. This is the custom of farewell, wishes bon voyage. It is based on the pagan ideas of our ancestors, who worshiped the elements of fire, water, air, etc. In this way, a tailwind was “winded”, helping the person leaving to get home safely. Another custom has survived to this day: a woman should walk to the right of a man. It goes back to the distant past, when men carried a sword or saber on the left, and during an attack there was a need to quickly pull it out of its sheath.
Rite - embodiment of everyday, religious and other customs in various situations. Long traditional Russian wedding ceremony consisted of two parts, to a certain extent opposed to each other: on the one hand - the official, legal, church (wedding), on the other - the family (a fun spree, i.e. the wedding itself). Moreover, the second part, the family part, was popularly considered to be the main part, the one that finally cements the family union. If for some reason the wedding was postponed (although the wedding had already taken place), the newlyweds were separated until the wedding ceremony itself. Nowadays, just as before, the “wedding part” of a marriage lasts much longer (sometimes several days!) than the “official” registering part (in the registry office and in the church).
Ritual - a type of ritual, an ordered system and sequence of actions, speeches, ceremonial. Rituals in different cultures have their own characteristics. For example, in European court circles there was a struggle for the slightest privilege to participate in the ritual, since such participation confirmed aristocratic advantages over other, less noble nobles. Some ladies were allowed to sit near the king, others were forced to stand. There was an etiquette that prescribed that some people should sit in armchairs or on stools, in chairs with one back or another; some had the advantage of going ahead of the foreign princes, others - behind. There were also those who were allowed to hold a candle while the king was undressing, although the chambers were brightly lit. In Russian culture, the following color symbolism has historically developed in the attire of Orthodox clergy: golden (yellow) robes or white - worship in honor of Christ
the Savior, prophets, apostles, during the performance of sacraments (requirements) and funeral services; blue and white - for holidays in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary; red - on the day of remembrance of martyrs, etc. Even during the Soviet era, when atheistic propaganda was carried out, some Russian families celebrated the main Orthodox holiday, Easter, in one way or another. Soviet people, who did not even observe church fasts, who rarely went to churches (or did not go there at all), painted eggs, baked Easter cakes, addressed each other in close circle on Bright Sunday with the traditional greeting for this day: “Christ is risen!”
Traditions, customs, rites, and rituals embody the moral essence of society. “Morality is an ideological reflection of the general vital interests of the era,” wrote the German scientist Eduard Fuchs (1870-1940). At the end of XX - beginning of XXI V. voices were increasingly heard about the “decline of morals”, “general immorality”, the lack of modern people concepts of decency, etc. In this regard, we consider it appropriate to make a short historical excursion into the depths of centuries, dwelling in more detail on the picture of the morals of Europe during the Renaissance.
In the XVI-XVII centuries. There was a great revolution in the system of spiritual values. Medieval asceticism was replaced by the desire for fullness of life, joy earthly pleasures. European individualism with a new type of personality was formed. It's about about a self-confident, enterprising, energetic, full of plans and hopes, not without selfishness, even sometimes predatory, a powerful, strong-willed person. He is interested exclusively in earthly problems; high performance, initiative, the ability to do everything, know everything, be able to do everything, do more, etc. are valued in a person.
The man of the Renaissance, unlike the medieval ascetic, had excellent health and a strong physique. In the book “Human Physiology” (XVI century, France), the physical characteristics of a man are described as follows: “Men by nature have a large frame, wide faces, slightly curved eyebrows, big eyes, quadrangular chin, thick sinewy necks, strong shoulders and ribs, broad chest, sunken belly, bony and protruding thighs, sinewy strong thighs and arms, hard knees, strong shins, protruding calves, slender legs,” etc. They loved curvy figures in a woman. A lady whose corsage (part of a woman's dress covering the bust) foreshadows luxurious breasts is valued above all else. These are the women from the sensual paintings of the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens(1570-1640). A contemporary explains why large women are preferable to smaller ones for men: “It is much more pleasant to ride a tall and beautiful horse, and the latter gives the rider much more pleasure than a small nag.”
Sensuality, turning into voluptuousness, is perceived as a natural manifestation of human nature. “The laws of nature are most important. Nature created nothing for nothing and provided us with noble organs not only so that we would neglect them, but so that we would use them,” say the characters in the novel “The Decameron” by the Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio(1313-1375). “Marriage to a strong and well-built man” is the basis of a woman’s physical health.
For the first time in Europe, etiquette standards are becoming popular among wide sections of the population: the nobility, merchants, and city dwellers. Good manners were necessary for a gentleman to charm a lady. From France to European languages, and in the 18th century. and in Russian, the concepts of “courtiness” and “elegance” come. Courtoisie- court etiquette, politeness, courtesy; elegance - politeness, external gloss, secularism in the Renaissance. Hence the adjective elegant - beautiful, graceful. During the Renaissance, ideas about court etiquette were formed. They are based on standards and rules of behavior in a given society. The man was perceived by society as the owner of the house, the father of the family. In the living room, his chair was on a raised platform, and the guests were arranged in an order appropriate to their status.
Often we perceive a particular era and its great figures by imagining the etiquette features of a given society. Here is the beginning of V. Nabokov’s poem “Shakespeare”:
Among the nobles of Elizabeth’s time, you too shone, honored the magnificent covenants, and the circle of rump, the thigh covered with satin silver, the wedge of the beard - everything was like everyone else...
Mysteries - collar on the chest in the form of frills. It was worn by contemporaries of W. Shakespeare and the philosopher F. Bacon. This is exactly the attire of men of that era that is depicted on the canvases of great artists. For example, “Portrait of a Man with Jockstraps and a Goatee” by Rembrandt.
The monarch's meals were furnished extremely luxuriously. Below is a contemporary description of the ritual of lunches and dinners of Queen Elizabeth I of England (1558-1603). First, two gentlemen bring into the monarch's chambers the symbols of royal power - a staff and a shroud. They kneel three times, spread the tablecloth on the table and leave. Then two other gentlemen bring salt, a dish and bread. Having knelt, they also leave. Next, two noble ladies bring a knife for tasting. They curtsey (a respectful bow with a squat) and remain in the room until the end of the meal. The queen's bodyguards bring twenty-four dishes in golden dishes, and one of the noble ladies cuts off a piece of the food and gives it to the bodyguard to try, in order to protect the first person in the state from poisoning. Then Elizabeth I herself begins the meal. The dishes not eaten by her go to the ladies-in-waiting.
Of course, one should not exaggerate. The elegance of courtiers' dress was at odds with what we would now call "civilized behavior." At royal receptions in France, there were not enough chamber pots with which footmen ran around (performing natural necessities in the presence of others before early XIX centuries in Europe it was not considered something indecent and fit into existing mores). At Versailles, Fontainebleau, and the Louvre, courtiers “water the curtains, urinate in the fireplaces, on the walls, from the balconies.” That is why the court so often changes its location: royal residences are cleaned and washed after guests defecate
Our planet is inhabited by many peoples with their own traditions and customs. Today we will show you some rules related to eating in different countries, which may seem strange to some peoples, but are quite normal for local residents.
1 Sip while eating
In Japan, people often eat noodles and soups, while sipping to show appreciation to the cook. The louder the better! You can also drink directly from the bowl - spoons are rare. Also, the Japanese never cross, lick, or stick their chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, which is considered very rude in Japan and many other Asian countries, including China.
2 Eat with your right hand only
In India, the Middle East and some parts of Africa, it is not customary to eat with the left hand, as it is considered unclean.
3 Don't put your hands on your knees while eating
In Russia, it is considered polite to keep your wrists on the table, and not put them on your lap. In addition, the fork must be held in the left hand and the knife in the right.
4 Don't bring yellow flowers to dinner
In Bulgaria yellow flowers mean hatred, so don't bring them to your house unless you want to say something...
5 Belching and leftover food on the table
In China, burping is considered an indicator of satisfaction with food and a compliment to the chef for a well-prepared meal. The remains of food on the table show that the owner is not greedy and served more food than required.
6 Don't put food into your mouth with a fork.
In Thailand, the fork is used only to push food onto the spoon.
7 Don't ask for salt or pepper
In Portugal, if salt and pepper are not on the table, don't ask for them. It is considered disrespectful to the cook to question the skill of adding seasonings during cooking.
8 Don't ask for cheese
In Italy you never ask for more cheese unless it is explicitly offered. It is considered unacceptable to add cheese to pizza and, even worse, to add it to seafood.
9 Don't eat anything with your hands
In Chile, touching food with your hands is considered rude; even French fries are not eaten with your hands. 🙂 Also in Brazil, pizza and hamburgers are eaten with a fork and knife.
10 Eat with your hands
In Mexico, on the contrary, using a fork and knife is considered snobbery.
11 Use bread as cutlery
In France, you must use two hands to eat - with a fork and knife or a fork and bread. Bread serves as support for food. If you want to eat bread, you should tear off a piece rather than bite.
12 Don't offer to split the check
In France, for example, it is considered indecent to split the bill between everyone; you must either pay the entire bill or leave it to someone else.
13 Do not use individual plates
In Ethiopia, it is considered wasteful to use plates for everyone. Food is served on a common platter without cutlery - only with your hands.
