The history of etiquette from antiquity to the present day

The history of the origin of etiquette goes back to ancient times. Since people began to live in numerous groups, they have had a need to regulate their existence by certain norms that allow them to coexist with the greatest comfort. A similar principle has survived to this day.

The norms of behavior of the past centuries

In the modern world, etiquette is nothing more than a set of rules designed to make our life pleasant and safe in communication with each other, and also to protect ourselves and others from unintentional claims and grievances. Many of the requirements, such as not clapping on the shoulder of an unfamiliar person, are quite obvious and dictated by life itself, but there are also those that are transmitted in the form of teachings and instructions.

The history of the origin of etiquette in its earliest form is known mainly due to the norms of conduct set forth in the Egyptian and Roman manuscripts, as well as in Homer's Odyssey. Already in these ancient documents, the principles of the relationship between the sexes, bosses and subordinates were formulated, and rules for communicating with foreigners were also established. It is known that the violation of these installations entailed the most severe penalties. In general, the norms of communication between people became more complicated in parallel with the way history itself developed.

The Knight's Code of Honor

Etiquette in Western Europe has acquired a particularly fertile soil in the X-XI century, with the spread among the privileged strata of society the system of chivalry. As a result, a Code of Honor appeared-a set of rules that stipulated not only the norms of behavior, but also the color and style of his clothes, as well as the generic heraldic symbols, which prescribes to the knight.

During this period, many new and very peculiar rituals and customs appeared, such as, for example, the indispensable participation in knight tournaments and the performance of feats in the name of the lady of the heart, even in those cases when the lady did not reciprocate. To fully comply with his status, the knight had to be brave, noble and generous. However, the last two qualities were necessary only for people of their own circle. With the common people, the knight was free to do as he pleases, but that's another story.

Etiquette, or rather, strict adherence to his rules, was sometimes able to play a cruel joke with those who blindly obeyed him. Known, for example, when during the Battle of Crecy, which became the most important battle of the Hundred Years War, the French knights, galloping to their king Philip VI with an urgent report, did not dare to violate the court etiquette and the first to address him. When the monarch finally allowed them to speak, they bowed again for a long time, giving each other this honorable right. As a result, the rules of good tones were met, but time was lost, and procrastination had a disastrous effect on the course of the battle.

Etiquette was further developed in the XVII-XVIII century at the court of the French King Louis XIV. Actually, the very word has stepped into the world from his palace, where during one of the receptions everyone present received a card (in French - etiquete) with a detailed list of rules of conduct, with which he was obliged to continue to be guided.

The history of etiquette development in Russia

In pre-Petrine Russia also there were certain rules of etiquette, but they came not from Europe, but from Byzantium, with which from time immemorial there were close ties. However, the wild customs of pagan antiquity coexisted side by side with them, sometimes confusing foreign ambassadors. The history of etiquette in Russia, which has more than once become the subject of close scrutiny, shows how important it was to the social status of a person.

It was accepted, for example, when visiting a peer, to enter the yard and stop at the porch. If the owner of the house was higher than the rank, then it was necessary to stop still on the street, and walk through the yard on foot. An important guest was obliged to meet the host standing on the porch, equal in the hall, and the one whose status is lower in the upper room.

To enter the room was supposed to be without a hat, but not to leave it in the passage like a cane or staff, but must be held in its hands. Upon entering, the guest was baptized three times by icons, and then, if the master was higher than his rank, gave him an earthly bow. If they were equal, then they shook hands. Relatives at the same embraced.

The history of the Russian etiquette during the reign of Peter the Great in many ways resembles the path that the countries of Western Europe have done, once wallowed, like Russia, in barbarism and lack of culture. Peter, like many foreign monarchs, forcibly compelled his subjects to follow the norms of civilization. Among high society, he introduced European-style clothes, allowing wearing of caftans and armeni only to representatives of the lower classes. He also forced the boyars on pain of an impressive fine to shave their beards.

In addition, thanks to the tsar, the situation of Russian women has radically changed. If earlier wives and daughters of even the highest dignitaries had to stay at home, now they have become regular participants of all holidays and celebrations. The rules of gallant dealing with them appeared and went into everyday use. This greatly contributed to the achievement of the European nobility by the European level.

Education that has become fashionable

At the end of the 18th century, and especially during the reign of Alexander I, education, as well as awareness of literature and art, entered the classroom among the aristocracy. Mastering several languages became the norm. Scrupulous imitation of Western European models, in clothing and manner of behavior, acquired the character of a stable style, called comme il faut (from the French comme il faut - literally translated "as it should").

A vivid example of this can serve as an image, familiar to us from the school bench, Eugene Onegin. Suffice it to recall the great importance that this pile attached to his wardrobe, but at the same time he was able to shine in society with the excellent possession of the French language and acquaintance with ancient poetry.

According to Pushkin, he was able not only to dance the mazurka, but also to dismantle the Latin epigraph, talk about Juvenal's poetry and immediately devote a brilliant epigram to the lady. The etiquette of that time was a whole science, from the comprehension of which the career and further progress in society depended on much.

Intellectuals and new requirements of etiquette

The further history of development of etiquette in our country marks its rise to a new qualitative level in the middle of the XIX century. This was due to the reforms of Alexander II, which opened the way to education, to people of various backgrounds. A new social stratum, known as the intelligentsia, has emerged in the country.

It belonged to people who did not have a high position in society, but they were well educated and, due to education, they acquired good manners. However, in their midst, excessive politeness and extremely scrupulous adherence to the rules of etiquette adopted in the period of previous reigns began to look somewhat archaic.

Etiquette XIX century provided, among other things, strict adherence to fashion for jewelry, in which diamonds and gold gave way to antique cameos, made of ivory or the corresponding rock. In ladies' society, it became a good idea to wear short hairstyles in memory of the heroines of the European revolutions that ended their life on the scaffold, which shortly cut their hair before the execution. They also became fashionable, and therefore became one of the requirements of etiquette, curls or a small bundle of free-falling hair that was tied together by several ribbons.

Etiquette in the country of the victorious proletariat

Did the history of etiquette have its continuation in the Soviet period? Yes, of course, but it fully reflected the stormy and dramatic events of the 20th century. Years of the Civil War pushed into the past the very existence of a secular society, which once established rules of good taste. Along with this, completely out of everyday use and decent manners. The underlined rudeness became a sign of belonging to the proletariat-the hegemonic class. Norms of behavior were guided only by diplomats and individual representatives of senior management, however, too, not always.

When the wars finally receded, and in the second half of the 20th century, a country with a modest but politically stable life was established, most of the population rushed to universities, which at that time was quite affordable. As a result of such a desire for knowledge, the overall culture of the population has grown, and with it the increased need for observance of norms of communication.

The very word "etiquette" was rarely used, but anyone who wanted to make a favorable impression of others around them had to follow the rules of decency. In everyday life, a number of stable expressions, intended for certain cases of life, have entered firmly. Phrases such as "will not make you difficult", "be kind" or "do not refuse courtesy" have become the calling card of every cultural person.

In those years, the preferred style of men's clothing was a business suit and a shirt with a tie, and women's - a strict dress, a blouse and a skirt below the knees. No sexuality in clothes was allowed. The word "comrade" with the addition of a surname was equally used in treatment both for men and for women. These rules of "Soviet etiquette" were not taught at school, but more or less strictly observed by most citizens.

Features of oriental etiquette

All that was discussed above is the European history of etiquette from antiquity to the present day. But the story would be incomplete without mentioning how this area of human culture developed in the countries of the East. It is known that in most of them the rules of conduct and relationships with other members of society were given great importance. This is equally evidenced by today's customs that exist within these countries and their centuries-old history.

The etiquette of China is one of the oldest aspects of its culture. Each of the succeeding ruling dynasties made its changes in the code of conduct, and established requirements for the implementation of which strict control was exercised. However, despite the differences, they all had similarities.

For example, in all ages the Chinese's clothing should have been consistent with his status and position in the bureaucratic hierarchy. The outfits were strictly divided into those that the emperor, the rulers of vassal principalities, ministers, aristocrats and so on had the right to wear. Especially the simple peasant did not have the right to dress what he wanted, but had to obey the established norms.

Each stage of the hierarchical ladder was also matched with a certain headgear, which was not taken off even in the room. The hair of the Chinese was not sheared, but was placed in complex hairstyles also being an indicator of social status.

The rules of conduct adopted in Korea, and their history

The etiquette of this country is in many respects similar to the Chinese, because both states have been closely bound for centuries. Particularly noticeable is the commonality of cultures after, as a result of the political crisis that erupted in the 20th century, many Chinese immigrated to Korea, bringing with them a significant part of the national culture.

The basis of the rules of behavior is the requirements of two religions, professed in the country - Confucianism and Buddhism. They are taught in educational institutions of all levels, and their observance is vigilant control.

A characteristic feature of local etiquette is the evasion of the use of second person pronouns. The educated Korean will never even say about someone "he" or "she", even politely, and politely pronounce the surname with the addition of "gentleman", "mistress" or "teacher".

Features of the behavior of residents of the Land of the Rising Sun

The history of the rules of etiquette in Japan is in many respects connected with the code of Bushido ("The Way of the Warrior") established in the XII-XIII century. He defined the norms of behavior and morals of the military class, which was the ruling class in the state. On its basis, in the twentieth century, a school textbook was compiled, in which all the rules of behavior of an educated person in society and at home are examined in detail.

Etiquette pays special attention to the art of dialogue, and the style of communication depends entirely on the social status of the interlocutor. Negative reaction can be caused either by an insufficiently courteous tone, and by excessive politeness concealing the desire to evade the conversation. A truly educated Japanese always knows how to find the golden mean.

It is also considered unacceptable to listen in silence to the interlocutor, his words need at least occasionally diluted with his own lines. Otherwise, it may appear that the conversation is devoid of any interest. In general, the history of Japan's speech etiquette is a special section of culturology, which requires the most careful study.

Reviving interest in etiquette

In the post-Soviet period, along with the revival of former spiritual values, the traditions of behavior in society and interpersonal communication acquired a new life in Russia. The interest shown in these issues is evidenced by the increasing number of articles published in the media, the general orientation of which can be described as the "History of Etiquette." Presentation of the most successful of them is often quite a bright event in the cultural life of the country.