History of etiquette: main stages of development

Being in society, we cannot but obey certain rules and principles, because this is the key to comfortable coexistence with others. Almost every inhabitant of the modern world is familiar with such a word as "etiquette". What does it mean?

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 there was a need to develop a certain set of rules that would help people control their behavior and get along together without resentment and disagreement.

Women respected their husbands, earners, the younger generation was brought up by the most experienced members of the community, people worshiped shamans, healers, gods - all these are the first historical roots that laid the meaning and principles of modern etiquette. Before his appearance and formation, people were disrespectful to each other.

Even before our era, many famous people tried to come up with their most diverse recommendations on how a person should behave at the table.

One of the popular and famous manuscripts in the III millennium BC, which has come down to us from the Egyptians, was a collection of special advice called "Teachings of Kochemni", 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 they behave appropriately in society and do not tarnish the honor of the family.

Already at that time, the Egyptians considered it necessary to use cutlery during the dinner meal. It was required to eat beautifully, with a closed mouth, 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 the king a slave."

The Greeks believed that it was necessary to wear beautiful clothes, behave with family, friends and just acquaintances with restraint and calmness. It was customary to dine in a circle of 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 was first born, special people appeared - ambassadors. They were given documents on two cards folded with each other, which were called "diploma". This is where the term "diplomacy" comes from.

In Sparta, on the contrary, it was a sign of good taste to demonstrate the beauty of one's own body, so the inhabitants were allowed to walk naked. An impeccable reputation required dining out.

In this dark time for Europe, the decline of development in society began, nevertheless, people still adhered to the rules of good manners.

In the 10th century A.D. e. Byzantium flourished. According to the code of etiquette, the ceremonies here were held very beautifully, solemnly, magnificently. The task of such an exquisite event was to dazzle the ambassadors from other countries and demonstrate the power and greatest power of the Byzantine Empire.

The first popular teaching on the rules of conduct was the work "Discipline of 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 etiquette manuals. Most of these rules were the rules of conduct at the table during meals. Questions about how to make small talk, receive guests and arrange events were also covered.

A little later, the word "etiquette" itself appeared. It was introduced into permanent use by the well-known Louis XIV - the king of France. He invited guests to his ball and handed out special cards to everyone - “labels”, where the rules of conduct 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, accepted vassalage, concluded an agreement on serving the lord. At the same time, a cult of worship of beautiful ladies arose in Europe. Knightly tournaments began to be held, where men fought for the chosen one, even if she did not reciprocate them.

Also in the Middle Ages, the following rules arose and to this day there are such rules: shaking hands at a meeting, removing a headdress as a sign of greeting. In this way, people showed that they had no weapons in their hands and that they were determined to negotiate peace.

In Japan and China, the rules of good manners were considered the same as the law. Here attention was paid to even the smallest details: gestures, movements, eyes.

Chinese etiquette has more than thirty thousand different ceremonies, ranging from the rules of tea drinking to marriage.

This time is characterized by the development of countries: their interaction with each other is improving, culture is flourishing, painting is developing, the technical process is moving forward. The concept of the effect 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. In place of pomp and festivity comes modesty and humility. Knowledge of the rules and norms of etiquette becomes a hallmark of elegance and extravagance.

Starting from the Middle Ages and 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 argue with. He could decide what was good for his loved ones and what was bad, had the right to punish his wife for disobedience and beat the children as educational methods.

European etiquette came to the Russian state during the reign of Emperor Peter I. The artillery and naval education originally 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 behavior", written in 1717, which was repeatedly rewritten.

Unequal marriages between people of various classes were allowed. People now had the right to enter into marriages with those who were divorced, with monks and clergy who had been stripped. Previously, this was not possible.

The rules and norms of behavior for women and girls were most complicated. Prohibitions pursued the female sex from the very cradle. Young girls were strictly forbidden to dine at a party, talk without permission, show their skills in languages ​​or any other field. However, they had to be able at a certain moment to blush shamefacedly, 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, despite the fact that he could be her good friend or fiancé.

The rules required the girl to wear modest clothes, speak and laugh only in a hushed voice. Parents were obliged to monitor what their daughter reads, what kind of acquaintances she makes, and what entertainment she prefers. After marriage, the rules of etiquette for a young woman softened a bit.However, she, as before, did not have the right to receive male guests in the absence of her husband, to go out alone to social events. After marriage, a woman tried very carefully to monitor the beauty of her speech and demeanor.

Events for high society by the very beginning of the 19th century included both public and family invitations. Various balls and masquerades must have been held during all 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, rollercoaster rides on holidays - all these diverse entertainments have become more and more common.

In the Soviet Union, such a phrase as "secular 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 dealing with people began to be considered a sign of the proletariat. At the same time, various kinds of bosses moved away from subordinates. Knowledge and possession of good manners were now in demand only in diplomacy. Solemn events and balls began to be organized less and less. Feasts have become the best form of leisure.

Now, instead of the word “you”, “you” has become more often used in order to completely eradicate intelligence and show that in the Soviet state everyone is equal and significant to the same extent. Gradually, the rights of men and women began to be equalized.

Currently, the concept of "etiquette" includes regularity of rules and norms formed in different historical periods. Each nation was able to make its own amendments to it, which arose as a result of the specific way of life of each state.

The Western world is considered the birthplace of world etiquette. In the 21st century, in the course of a long and careful selection of the results of the life experience of all countries and peoples of the world, the set of rules of etiquette included only the most popular and best of them. However, it cannot be considered completely completed. We are developing, society is improving, and certain rules and norms of behavior are required everywhere. Etiquette will be introduced and increasingly complicated further, becoming more complete and meaningful.

You will learn more about the rules of etiquette in the following video.