HISTORY OF ETIQUETTE
The culture of human communication is based on the observance of certain rules that have been developed by man over thousands of years. Since the late Middle Ages, these rules have been called etiquette.
Etiquette (translated from French - label, label) is a set of rules of behavior relating to the external manifestation of a person’s relationship with people. This refers to treatment of others, forms of address and greetings, behavior in public places, manners and clothing.
A number of researchers attribute the conscious cultivation of rules that determine the external forms of etiquette behavior to the period of antiquity (Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome). It was at this time that the first attempts to specially teach people beautiful behavior were observed. “Beautiful behavior” itself at this time practically coincided with the virtues of ancient man, with his ideas about morality and citizenship. The combination of the beautiful and the moral was denoted by the ancient Greeks with the concept of “kolkagathia” (Greek “ear” - beautiful, “agathos” - good). The basis of colocatia was the perfection of both physical build and spiritual and moral make-up; along with beauty and strength, it contained justice, chastity, courage and rationality. In this sense, in antiquity there was no etiquette as the actual external form of manifestation of human culture, since there was no opposition between the external and the internal (ethical and moral).
The main thing for the ancient Greeks was to live wisely, simply according to the behests of their ancestors and the laws of the state, avoiding excesses and extremes. The most important principles determining their strategy of behavior were the principles of “reasonableness” and the “golden mean”.
The first printed codes on etiquette rules appeared in the 15th century. in Spain, from where it quickly spread to other Western European countries.
The concept of “etiquette” began to enter the Russian language at the beginning of the 18th century. True, back in the era of Ivan the Terrible, “Domostroy”, written by Sylvester, appeared, a kind of code of rules that should guide citizens in their behavior and attitude towards secular authorities, the church, etc. But all etiquette boiled down to obedience to the domestic despot, whose will determined the specific rules of behavior for each member of the household. The unlimited power of the head of the family was a reflection of the same unlimited power in the ascending line - the boyar, the governor, the tsar.
Etiquette in pre-Petrine Russia assigned a very modest role to women. Before Peter I, a woman rarely appeared between men, and then only for a few minutes. During the turbulent era of Peter I, the way of life of the Russian people changed dramatically. Special manuals were created for young nobles: they indicated in detail how to behave in society. So, in 1717, by order of Peter I, the book “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Punishment for Everyday Conduct, collected from various authors” was published. This book was compiled from numerous Western European codes of general civil etiquette. Accordingly, at the court, and then among the nobility in general, certain elements of Western European, mainly English, etiquette came into use, especially in clothing and in raising children.
In certain periods of the history of Tsarist Russia, abuse of etiquette was combined with servile admiration for foreigners, with contempt for national traditions and folk customs.
In aristocratic Western Europe, the strictness of court etiquette sometimes led to curious situations. One day, the French king Louis XIII came to talk about business with Cardinal Richelieu when he was sick and could not get out of bed. Then Louis, whose royal dignity could not allow him to talk to his lying subject while sitting or standing, lay down with him. And the Spanish monarch Philip III preferred to burn himself in front of the fireplace rather than extinguish it himself.
In many countries, court etiquette has been brought in some parts to obvious absurdity, and sometimes turns into outright stupidity. Nowadays it’s funny to read, for example, to what height the hem of a woman’s dress could be raised when crossing the threshold, and ladies of different ranks had different opportunities to show their legs.
The ceremony of balls, dinners, and greetings of the royal person was especially complex. In old chronicles one could often find descriptions of quarrels and even the outbreak of war due to the violation of some minor rule of etiquette.
In the 18th century Our mission in China failed due to the fact that the Russian envoy refused to kneel before the emperor in the manner required by the etiquette of the Peking court. In 1804, Adam Krusenstern, who delivered the Russian embassy to Nagasaki with ships, described with indignation the behavior of the Dutch. When a high-ranking Japanese appeared, they bent at a right angle, with their arms extended at their sides. After an unsuccessful attempt to get the Russians to bend in the same manner, the Japanese no longer bothered them on this score. And again, our ancestors had to leave with nothing because of their unwillingness to comply with, in their opinion, stupid rules of etiquette.
Over the centuries, each nation has brought its own specifics and national flavor to the development of etiquette. Most of the customs remained only a national treasure. But some were accepted by other nations.
From Scandinavia came the custom now accepted throughout the world, according to which the most honorable place at the table is given to the guest.
In knightly times, it was considered good form for ladies and their gentlemen to sit at the table in pairs. They ate from the same plate and drank from the same glass. This custom has now become only a legend.
Removing the headdress as an etiquette gesture is common mainly in Europe. Muslims, Jews and representatives of some other nations did not bare their heads for etiquette purposes. This difference has long been recognized as one of the most remarkable distinctive features of European and Eastern peoples. One of the stories common in medieval Europe told how Turkish ambassadors came to Ivan the Terrible, a sovereign known for his cruelty, who, according to their custom, did not take off their hats in front of him. The Emperor decided to “strengthen” their custom and ordered their hats to be nailed to their heads with iron nails.
And yet, a significant part of normal etiquette arose on the basis of universal human moral and aesthetic needs. Thus, the ability to control oneself is the most important feature of etiquette. Indeed, as civilization develops, etiquette turns into one of the forms of curbing human natural instincts and passions. Other common norms of etiquette meet the urgent needs of cleanliness, neatness, i.e. in human hygiene. Ethics partly reflects ancient traditional forms of veneration of women and ancestors. Almost everywhere she was given flowers, wreaths, and fruits as a symbol of beauty and fertility. To bare your head in front of a woman, to stand in her presence, to give way to her and to show her all kinds of signs of attention - these rules were not invented in the era of chivalry, they are manifestations of the ancient cult of women.
Since people have existed, they have strived to satisfy not only their simplest needs - to eat, drink, dress, have a roof over their heads. People sought to satisfy them in a form that was considered beautiful and pleasant. Man has never been content with the fact that clothes only provide warmth, and that any household item is only needed for something. The desire for beauty in life is an urgent human need. The rules of etiquette are very specific and aimed at regulating the external form of communication; they provide recommendations for behavior in pre-agreed situations. The rules of etiquette determine how a person communicates with other people, what his behavior is, gestures, methods of greetings, behavior at the table, etc.
The word “etiquette” appeared under King Louis XIV of France. At one of the king's magnificent receptions, all guests were given cards with rules of behavior that guests must observe. These cards were called "labels". This is where the concept of “etiquette” comes from - good manners, good manners, ability to behave in society.
When Queen Marie Antoinette of France was led to the guillotine for execution in 1793, she stepped on the executioner's foot. Despite the drama of the situation, she said: “I’m sorry, it happened by accident.” Even before her death, the queen complied with the rules of decency and apologized for the mistake, as required by etiquette. It is no coincidence that it is believed that the history of the emergence of etiquette is the process of developing the culture of society as a whole and each of its representatives.
According to some information, the word “etiquette” first appeared in France, during the reign of Louis XIV, when at receptions all guests were given “labels” that told them how to behave. However, certain rules of behavior existed long before this as part of the general culture. So, for example, already at the feasts of the early Middle Ages (despite the fact that there were no cutlery and napkins in the usual sense) it was important who sat closest to the host, who was served first, and so on.
Individual cutlery appeared in Europe in the 15th century, and in the 16th century the use of a fork and knife for eating became mandatory, which was the beginning of the formation of European etiquette. The complex court ritual had a noticeable influence on the design of the rules of conduct, which was sometimes so intricate that it required the introduction of the position of a master of ceremonies, who monitored the implementation of all instructions. For example, the list of persons who could be present when dressing the monarch, accompanying him on walks, and so on was regulated. .
With the advent of the Enlightenment, the rules of etiquette not only spread everywhere, but also became more democratic, in contrast to court ceremonies. Many of them have survived to this day. So, knights took off their helmets when in the company of friends - and thereby demonstrated trust and affection. Subsequently, nobles began to remove or raise their hats as a sign of greeting - this rule is still relevant today.
The requirement of etiquette, according to which a junior in position or age should not extend his hand first, also originates in modern Europe, when it was customary to shake the hand of an equal only, while a superior could only kiss. Many rules of etiquette that developed in Europe later formed the basis of diplomatic protocol, the observance of which is still mandatory today.
The custom of presenting symbolic keys to the city to guests of honor dates back to the days when city gates were locked at night in European cities. And the highest sign of respect and trust in the guest was to hand him the keys to these gates.
Let's say few people know why a man should walk down the street to the left of a woman. Just two or three hundred years ago, men carried a weapon on their left side - a saber, sword or dagger. And so that the weapon would not hit the woman, if she was nearby, they stood to her left. Weapons are now carried only by the military, but the custom has nevertheless been preserved.
Initially, the rules of etiquette were uniform and regulated simultaneously legal, economic, family, religious, moral and ethical relations. All members of the community obeyed them. Thus, etiquette did not act independently in ancient times, separately from other rules regulating the social life of the primitive community, but represented part of these rules. Of course, all these rules were unwritten.
Over time, not only household etiquette emerged, but also political etiquette. It regulated the life of society: relationships with other states. The Egyptian pharaohs, in particular Ramses and the Tettian king Hattushil the Third, entered into a written peace treaty in 1273, engraved on a silver plate. It is possible that political writing etiquette appeared earlier than others.
Ancient Egypt attached great importance to interstate affairs. The negotiations were held in a solemn atmosphere, in accordance with a huge number of rules and complex rituals. Over time, ambassadors appeared as representatives of states. In Ancient Greece, ambassadors carried special rods that testified to their representative mission - the “rods of Hermes.” At the top of the staff, entwined with laurel, were attached the wings of birds and two intertwined knots. The knots symbolized efficiency and cunning, and the wings symbolized maneuverability and mobility.
In Ancient Rome, political etiquette was even more developed. Celebrations were held in honor of foreign ambassadors. .
In the Middle Ages, rich in all kinds of treatises, they could not do without a treatise on behavior, something that was required of every educated person. Later, court etiquette appeared, written by the Spaniard Petrous Alforonsi.
After the French Revolution, court etiquette was significantly revised, for example, the previously accepted address to “you” was abolished; everyone should only say “you”.
In Germany, Erasmus of Rotterdam wrote rules for children, “Citizenship of Children's Customs.”
Etiquette as a social phenomenon arose during the time of King Louis XIV. Here, for the first time at a reception, “label” cards containing the rules of behavior at a reception with the king were offered. The cards indicated: time of reception, place at the table, dress code, as well as behavior at the official part.
The rules of etiquette were so strict that even the monarch himself had no right to violate them. Here is a historically reliable fact. The Spanish King Philip III was sitting near the fireplace. Some of the firewood that was occupied fell on the floor. The courtier responsible for watching the fireplace was not there. The king did not allow any of the courtiers to install a shutter. For the king himself to do this meant violating the rules of etiquette and his royal honor. The flames engulfed the clothes. King Philip III soon died from his burns.
Time determined the rules of etiquette. Etiquette soon becomes synonymous with chivalry. With his needs for kindness, tact, decency, hospitality, adoration of a woman. The phenomenon of knighthood in the Middle Ages occupies a special page in the history of etiquette. Knights are a privileged social stratum in the countries of Western and Central Europe.
High moral ideals were manifested in the acts of chivalry: concern for orphans, weak widows, admiration for a woman and defense of her honor. The greatest value for a knight is preserving his honor. The classic image of a knight is embodied in the literary hero Don Quixote.
In Rus', the reins of etiquette come from ancient times. Custom, series, i.e. Etiquette itself, speaking in French, existed in military affairs, in hunting and artel crafts, in the family hearth, at all kinds of sacrifices, celebrations, family dinners, feasts... Priest, sorcerer, magician - the words are synonymous. The word priest was chosen to name the pagan priests, since it more clearly indicated the burning of sacrificial offerings than others. Moreover, fire, the hearth, is a god among the Slavs, devouring wood, constantly devouring. Therefore, the one who officiates at a special sacrifice to God is a priest.
Keepers of rules of behavior, rituals, etc. In ancient times, in all countries there were elders, priests, in Rus' - ritualists, magicians or the housekeeper - fireman.
In the Russian noble society of the Russian Empire, etiquette consisted of the rules of the royal courts of European countries and was imitative in nature. What happened in Paris on the Champs Elysees happened in St. Petersburg on Neva Avenue, and in Moscow on Tverskoy Boulevard. The external, demonstrative side prevailed in etiquette.
The career of a young Russian nobleman was ensured by the ability to behave in secular society, the art of which he mastered in the cadet corps. Women are at the Institute of Noble Girls. A secular person was obliged to jealously adhere to her honor and give a decisive rebuff to attempts to humiliate her dignity. However, in the code of honor, the nobleman was required to treat people of the lower stratum with condescension - maids, cooks, grooms.
Rules of etiquette also developed in peasant families. The main rule of life and behavior of an ordinary person in the countryside is honest, productive work in his native land. .
The privileged society of Tsarist Russia and Ukraine for more than two centuries was guided by a set of rules of behavior collected in a book under the capacious title - “Domostroy”. The book was written by the priest Siliverst in the era of Ivan IV (XVI century). "Domostroy" contributed to the development of etiquette rules among the Russian and Ukrainian nobility. The imperial court was an example of secular behavior for the nobles. Splendor, impressiveness, and wealth personified the nobility of a nobleman.
The Domostroy rules contained advice regarding behavior in the family, village, city, and in the state as a whole. They also covered raising children, housekeeping, cooking, receiving guests, and wedding rituals.
Domostroy also defined the role of parents. The sole power in the family belongs to the father. He is its owner, has unlimited rights: he can slash his wicked wife with a whip; Severely punish your son for his mistakes. As you can see, part of the rules of life involves routine. However, Domostroy appeared as an encyclopedia of the home life of wealthy families in Russia in the 12th and 18th centuries.
Etiquette began to be recorded in writing in Roman manuscripts, for example in Homer's Odyssey. Ovid brilliantly wrote about the culture of behavior in society, at the table, how to dress, talk, drink and meet women in his poetic poem “The Art of Loving.” Over time, political etiquette emerged. The influence of the church on etiquette has always been noticeable. Italy is considered the birthplace of secular etiquette. Until the 16th century, Russia was basically isolated, although some innovations in etiquette from Western countries reached it.
Written rules of conduct in Rus' were published in the book “Rules of Conduct” in 1204. Prince Vladimir Monomakh told his sons how to behave in life (“Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh”).
In 1717, by order of Peter I, the book “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or A Guide to Everyday Life, Collected from Various Authors” was published. By decree of Peter I, it was reprinted three times.
In the 20s of the 20th century, a persistent etiquette nihilism was established in the Soviet country towards the rules of decency and social communication. The book "Domostroy", as a book of bourgeois morality, was discarded. The gallantry of men towards women was condemned; critical attitude towards fashionable clothes, wearing a tie, hat, jewelry. Further, shaking hands as a form of greeting was abolished.
It took years to return to the norms of communication and the rules of good manners. Etiquette in society began to perform a socio-cultural function and contained the features of national culture.
All the numerous rules of good manners and codes of conduct reflect in their own way different eras, the moral views of the ruling classes, and social formations that have become a thing of the past.
The spread of etiquette in Russia begins in the era of Peter I. Before this, the privileged classes were guided exclusively by “Domostroy” - a set of rules written by the priest Sylvester in the middle of the 16th century. They ordered unconditional observance of the authority of the head of the family, who had to strictly punish the children and wife for offenses and disobedience. .
Peter paid special attention to social life - in particular, to the organization of balls (at the beginning of the 18th century they were called assemblies). The Emperor personally drew up regulations for their conduct. So, in winter they began in the sovereign's palace, and ended in the house of the chief of police, and in the summer they took place in the Summer Garden. At the same time, the largest room was reserved for dancing, and neighboring rooms were equipped for playing checkers and smoking pipes. The task of the owner of the house was quite simple - providing premises and providing drinks. European traditions in the formation of rules of behavior intensified in the 18th and 19th centuries. Each class was prescribed a certain style of dress; the French language became mandatory, as did bows and curtseys. One of the important stages in a woman’s life was presentation to the imperial court. This honor was given to the wives of state councilors and generals. Moreover, not only the performance procedure was signed, but also the women's toilet. So, the dress had to be silk, and if the ceremony took place in the evening, then it had to have short sleeves and a neckline. Many rules of etiquette were forgotten during Soviet times, some remained, but became more democratic. However, any interaction between people presupposes the fulfillment of certain conventions, without knowledge of which it is impossible to consider oneself a polite and well-mannered person. .
Word " etiquette"appeared under King Louis XIV in France.
At one of the king’s magnificent receptions, all guests were given cards with rules of behavior which guests must comply with.
This is where it happened the concept of “etiquette” - good manners, good manners, ability to behave in society.
These cards were called " labels».
Etiquette of the Middle Ages
Many rules originated In the Middle Age. For example, take off your hat or glove when greeting.
The medieval knight, wanting to show that he is among friends and has nothing to fear, took off his helmet or raised his visor.
Subsequently, when the helmet gave way to other headgear, a nobleman removed or raised his hat for the same purpose to show that he is among friends.
Even later, they began to remove the hat in front of a superior person, and when greeting an equal, they only touched it. Women were always greeted by removing their head covering.
And in this form, this ritual was preserved in the 19th century, without changing over the centuries. Even the kings of France, who never took off their hats to anyone, touched her when a lady appeared.
Handshake custom
The custom of shaking hands has a more ancient history. The man extended his unarmed palm with the fingers of his right hand extended as a sign of no hostile intentions. A tradition has been preserved to this day, according to which the youngest in age or position never extends his hand first, since it may simply not be accepted.
Etiquette in Egypt
Since ancient times, chroniclers, philosophers, writers and poets have given numerous recommendations regarding human behavior at the table.
In Ancient Egypt in the 3rd millennium BC. e. one of the popular manuscripts was collection of good advice “Teachings of Nomad”.
Even then, the Egyptians considered it necessary to use cutlery, as well as the ability to eat beautifully and silently. Such behavior was regarded as a great virtue and a necessary component of culture.
Compliance with the rules of etiquette reached the point of absurdity. There was even a saying:
"Etiquette makes kings slaves to the court."
Cases from history when the desire to observe etiquette could cost people their lives
Spanish King Philip III sacrificed his life in the name of etiquette. Sitting by the fireplace, in which the fire was burning too hot, the king did not allow any of the courtiers to put the damper on and did not move away himself. The courtier who was supposed to watch the fire in the fireplace was absent. The king decided not to move, although the flames were already burning his face and the lace on his clothes caught fire. Having received severe burns, he died a few days later.
A at the Spanish court of Philip II The queen once fell from her horse, getting her foot stuck in the stirrup. The horse dragged the queen along, but no one dared to help her, so as not to offend Her Majesty by touching her leg. When two courtiers nevertheless decided to save the half-dead queen, they hastened to immediately hide from the king’s wrath for a gross violation of the rules of etiquette.
Development of etiquette in Russia
The word in Russian etiquette entered at the beginning of the 17th century. At first, etiquette was used as a court ceremony. With the advent of printing, first etiquette manuals.
The first book on etiquette was called "Domostroy". It outlined rules of human behavior in everyday life.
Peter I, who traveled extensively throughout Europe, really wanted his subjects to be like Europeans. He wanted to adopt their customs and morals.
Under Peter I in 1717 it was published a book about good manners called “An Honest Mirror of Youth” or " Indications for everyday life". This book was addressed to young people and talked about rules of behavior in society.
A well-bred nobleman was supposed, for example, to always be polite and courteous, know foreign languages, be able to speak eloquently, and treat elders with respect.
Etiquette is a historical phenomenon . The rules of people's behavior changed with changes in the living conditions of society and the specific social environment. Etiquette arose during the birth of absolute monarchies.
Adhering to certain rules of behavior and ceremonial was necessary to exalt royalty (pharaohs, emperors, khans, kings, kings, princes, princes, dukes, etc.), as well as to consolidate the hierarchy. Not only a person’s career, but also a person’s life often depended on compliance with the rules of behavior. This was the case in Ancient Egypt, China, Rome, and the Golden Horde. Violation of etiquette led to enmity between tribes, peoples and even wars.
In Russia at the beginning XVIII V. Western etiquette began to be increasingly introduced. Clothes, manners and external forms of behavior were transferred to Russian soil. The observance of these rules by the boyars and the noble class (especially in capital cities) was constantly and persistently, sometimes cruelly monitored by Tsar Peter himself I . Their violations were severely punished. Later, during the reign of Elizabeth and Catherine II rules of etiquette were selected that met the requirements and characteristics of the national culture of Russia, which, as a Eurasian country, in many ways combined the opposites of Europe and Asia. And there were many of these opposites not only in XVIII in., but also now. The English writer Rudyard Kipling said that the West is the West, the East is the East, and they will never meet. Even within the borders of the Russian Empire, the rules of behavior of different peoples differed significantly. They are still different now. Of course, social progress also contributed to the interpenetration of rules of behavior and the enrichment of cultures. The world was getting smaller. The process of mutual enrichment of rules of conduct made it possible to develop mutually acceptable etiquette, recognized in its main features, and enshrined in customs and traditions. Etiquette began to prescribe standards of behavior at work, on the street, at a party, at business and diplomatic receptions, in the theater, on public transport, etc.
Etiquette has always performed and continues to perform certain functions . For example, division by rank, estate, nobility of the family, titles, property status. The rules of etiquette were and are observed especially strictly in the countries of the Far and Middle East.
Naturally, the norms of behavior of sovereigns during meetings, developing, gave birth to diplomatic etiquette, since diplomats during negotiations expressed the state point of view.
At the same time, military etiquette developed, maintaining the harmony and strictness of the rules of behavior in the army, without which order would simply be impossible. Other types of etiquette also appeared - secular, sometimes now called general civil. The “youngest” of them is business etiquette.
Business Etiquette- this is the external expression of a person’s internal morality and culture, the most important aspect of the professional behavior of a business person, entrepreneur. Knowledge of etiquette is a necessary professional quality that must be acquired and constantly improved.
Being in society, we cannot but obey certain rules and foundations, because this is the key to comfortable coexistence with others. Almost every inhabitant of the modern world is familiar with the word “etiquette”. What does it mean?
The first origins of etiquette
Etiquette (from the French Etiquette - label, inscription) is the accepted norms of behavior of people in society, which should be followed in order to avoid awkward situations and conflicts.
It is believed that the concept of “good manners” arose in ancient times, when our ancestors began to unite in communities and live in groups. Then the need arose to develop a certain set of rules that would help people control their behavior and get along together without offense or disagreement.
Women respected their breadwinner husbands, the younger generation was raised by the most experienced members of the community, people bowed to shamans, healers, gods - all these were the first historical roots that laid the meaning and principles of modern etiquette. Before his appearance and formation, people treated each other with disrespect.
Etiquette in Ancient Egypt
Even before our era, many famous people tried to come up with their own wide variety of recommendations on how a person should behave at the table.
One of the popular and famous manuscripts in the 3rd millennium BC, which came to us from the Egyptians, was a collection of special advice called “Teachings of Nomad”, written to teach people good manners.
This collection collected and described advice for fathers, who recommended teaching their sons the rules of decency and good manners, so that in society they would behave appropriately and not tarnish the honor of the family.
Already at that time, the Egyptians considered it necessary to use cutlery during lunch. It was necessary to eat beautifully, with the mouth closed, without making unpleasant sounds. Such behavior was regarded as one of the main advantages and virtues of a person, and was also an important component of the cultural component.
However, sometimes the requirements for observing the rules of decency reached the point of absurdity. There was even a saying: “Good manners make a king a slave.”
Etiquette in Ancient Greece
The Greeks believed that it was necessary to wear beautiful clothes and behave with restraint and calm with family, friends and acquaintances. It was customary to have dinner with close people. Fight only fiercely - do not retreat a single step and do not beg for mercy. It was here that table and business etiquette first emerged, and special people - ambassadors - appeared. They were given documents on two cards folded together, which were called “diploma”. This is where the concept of “diplomacy” spread.
In Sparta, on the contrary, a sign of good manners was the demonstration of the beauty of one’s own body, so residents were allowed to walk naked. An impeccable reputation required dining out.
Middle Ages
During this dark time for Europe, a decline in development in society began, nevertheless, people still adhered to the rules of good manners.
In the 10th century AD e. Byzantium flourished. According to the set of etiquette rules, the ceremonies here were held very beautifully, solemnly, and magnificently. The purpose of such an elegant event was to dazzle ambassadors from other countries and demonstrate the power and greatest might of the Byzantine Empire.
The first popular teaching about the rules of behavior was the work "Discipline Clericalis" published only in 1204. Its author was P. Alfonso. The teaching was intended specifically for the clergy. Taking this book as a basis, people from other countries - England, Holland, France, Germany and Italy - published their own etiquette manuals. Most of these rules were rules of behavior at the table during meals. Questions about how to conduct small talk, receive guests and organize events were also covered.
A little later, the word “etiquette” itself arose. It was introduced into constant use by the well-known Louis XIV, the King of France. He invited the guests to his ball and gave everyone special cards - “labels”, on which the rules of behavior at the holiday were written.
Knights appeared with their own code of honor, a huge number of new rituals and ceremonies were created, where initiations took place, vassalage was accepted, and an agreement to serve the lord was concluded. At the same time, a cult of worship of beautiful ladies arose in Europe. Knightly tournaments began to be held, where men fought for their chosen one, even if she did not reciprocate their feelings.
Also, in the Middle Ages, the following rules arose and still exist today: shaking hands when meeting, removing headdress as a sign of greeting. In this way, people showed that they did not have weapons in their hands and that they were committed to peaceful negotiations.
Land of the Rising Sun
For example, refusing a mug of water or a sidelong glance could lead to an entire war of clans, which could last for years until the complete destruction of one of them.
Chinese etiquette has more than thirty thousand different ceremonies, ranging from the rules of tea drinking to marriage.
Renaissance era
This time is characterized by the development of countries: their interaction with each other improves, culture flourishes, painting develops, and the technical process moves forward. The concept of the impact of body cleanliness on health is also emerging: people begin to wash their hands before eating.
In the 16th century, table etiquette stepped forward: people began to use forks and knives. Pomp and festivity are replaced by modesty and humility. Knowledge of the rules and norms of etiquette becomes a hallmark of elegance and extravagance.
History of the development of etiquette in the Russian state
Starting from the Middle Ages until the reign of Peter I, Russian people studied etiquette from the book of the monk Sylvester “Domostroy”, published under Tsar Ivan IV. According to its charter the man was considered the head of the family, whom no one dared to contradict. He could decide what was good and what was bad for his loved ones, had the right to punish his wife for disobedience and beat his children as educational methods.
European etiquette came to the Russian state during the reign of Emperor Peter I. The artillery and naval education initially created by the ruler was replaced by a special school where secular manners were taught. One of the most famous was the work on etiquette “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Indications for Everyday Conduct,” written in 1717, which was rewritten several times.
Unequal marriages between people of different classes were allowed. People now had the right to marry those who were divorced, with disrobed monks and clergy. Previously, this could not be done.
The rules and norms of behavior for women and girls were most complicated. Prohibitions have haunted the female sex from the very cradle. Young girls were strictly forbidden to dine at a party, talk without permission, or show their skills in languages or any other field. However, they had to be able to blush shyly at a certain moment, suddenly faint and smile charmingly. The young lady was forbidden to go out alone or be alone with a man for even a couple of minutes, regardless of the fact that he could be her good friend or fiancé.
The rules required the girl to wear modest clothing and speak and laugh only in a hushed voice. Parents were obliged to monitor what their daughter read, what acquaintances she made, and what entertainment she preferred. After marriage, the rules of etiquette for a young woman softened a little. However, as before, she did not have the right to receive male guests in the absence of her husband or to go out alone to social events. After marriage, the woman tried very carefully to monitor the beauty of her speech and manners.
Events for high society by the very beginning of the 19th century included both public and family invitations. Various balls and masquerades were required to be held throughout the three months of winter, because this was the main place for making acquaintances between potential wives and husbands. Visits to theaters and exhibitions, fun walks in parks and gardens, slide rides on holidays - all these various entertainments have become increasingly common.
In the Soviet Union, the phrase “high life” was abolished. People of the upper classes were exterminated, their foundations and customs were ridiculed and distorted to the point of absurdity. Special rudeness in treating people began to be considered a sign of the proletariat. At the same time, various kinds of superiors moved away from their subordinates. Knowledge and good manners were now in demand only in diplomacy. Ceremonial events and balls began to be organized less and less often. Feasts became the best form of leisure.