Almost every person knows what etiquette is. Of course, we try to follow his rules, but it doesn’t always work out, because... There are many areas of life that have their own etiquette. And it’s impossible to know everything. First of all, you need to decide what etiquette really is. Etiquette is the rules, laws, prohibitions, principles of society that must be followed in the interests of good manners.
To understand what we do right and what we do wrong, let's start by studying the history of etiquette. In the future we will publish several articles on various etiquettes.
The history of etiquette.
Different times, different peoples dictated their own rules. We will talk about them now. Let's go back many millennia. What could be the etiquette in primitive society? If you are a breadwinner, then you are free to eat your prey however and wherever you want. And if your position in the tribe is high enough, then you can behave as you please. But even in this wild society there were their own canons of existence. For example, worship of gods and elements. People treated the gods and their intermediaries – shamans – with respect. Apparently, this was the very first manifestation of etiquette.
Next, consider a picture of Ancient Greece. Society has ceased to be wild, it has reached certain heights in cultural and scientific development. And this undoubtedly influenced etiquette. Such directions as business and table etiquette. Of course, this was only the initial stage.
But the residents of Sparta already followed stricter standards. Although to our modern look, these rules also seem strange. One of them is the encouragement of nudity in in public places(so that a person has the opportunity to show his body as it is and not hide flaws). The second requirement is lunch outside the home, consisting of one dish - brandakhlysty. A Spartan who violated these rules suffered greatly from his reputation. At the same time, in Greece the rules of etiquette were diametrically opposed: decent clothing and dinner with family.
Let's continue our excursion into the history of etiquette and look at the Middle Ages. In other words, the dark ages. A decline in the development of society began and etiquette almost ceased to exist. Despite this, it was then that this word appeared - etiquette; it was first used at the court of Louis XIV. In Europe at that time there was a cult of lady worship. However, the knights remained faithful only during the day, and at night they had fun with local beauties. Although they also gave us two good traditions - a handshake and the rule of removing the headdress, which showed the lack of intention to stick a knife in the back of the interlocutor and the absence of hostility. In any case, little importance was attached to etiquette. Basically, he was followed only at court.
And as opposed to Europe, in Feudal Japan and China they attached importance to every little thing: gesture, human movement. The rules of etiquette were tantamount to laws. A hostile look, a sword with the hilt forward, refusal of an offered plate of rice, disrespect could lead to war between clans, even to the extermination of one of them.
The Renaissance is characterized by the flourishing technical progress, painting, strengthening contact between different countries. At that time, there was a huge revolution in the development of etiquette rules. Etiquette has become the equivalent of education and elegance. For example, it has become a rule to wash your hands before eating, know how to use cutlery, and observe modesty in clothing, abandoning pomp.
As for Russia, here all etiquette since the Middle Ages has been replaced by one book - “Domostroy”, which was written by the monk Sylvester under Tsar Ivan IV. Its basis was the rule: a man is the head of the family and only he decides what is good and what is bad. And only Peter I saw that the rules of house building had long been outdated, and borrowed European books etiquette.
Nowadays, through a long selection process, life experience different nations, etiquette left in itself the most best rules. But this cannot be considered complete. Society is developing and each area needs its own rules of behavior. Etiquette will develop along with society, absorbing all the best and necessary. And we will consider further how to behave in modern society so as not to spoil the impression.
First impression
People, communicating with each other, create in their minds an image of the interlocutor, which is based on the perception of appearance, speech, gestures, and behavior. All of the above constitutes a person’s image. No wonder there is a saying “you meet people by their clothes.” After all, it is during the first meeting, namely, as studies have shown, within the first ten seconds of an acquaintance or conversation that the first impression of a person is created. Most often, it plays a decisive role in everyone’s fate, for example, when applying for a job or on a first date.
The concept of “image” can be considered close in its power of influence on others to the concept of “charisma”. Only charisma is given to a person from birth, but you can work on your image. You just need to determine what it should be, based on your goals and objectives.
For example, if you create an image for yourself as a business person, then you will fit perfectly into the business environment. This image is associated with restrictions in behavior and clothing. Maybe you feel discomfort deep down, but you simply have to live up to your status. Surely your efforts will pay off. There have been cases when a solid image when hiring one, had higher value than another's diploma.
To achieve a positive image, you need to work hard on it and on yourself. Here are several characteristics that distinguish such an image: a neat, attractive appearance, a calm reaction to both criticism and praise, clear, competent, correct speech and much more.
Facial expressions and gestures in communication.
To make speech more expressive, there are gestures. If you cannot make precise and timely gestures, then better with your hands do not wave, but stand calmly, because restraint and moderation are also important here.
Every nation has its own sign language. For example, raised up thumb in Russia it means approval, in the USA, England - voting on the roads or an indicator that everything is in order. A sharply raised finger is an insult, a curse, but in Greece it means “shut up.” In Russia, if we count something on our fingers, we bend them into a fist, in Germany, on the contrary, we straighten them. A European, when talking about himself, points to his chest, an Asian - to his nose.
Therefore, one should not rush to conclusions. After all, to look and see - different concepts. Both facial expressions and gestures can turn out to be just stable habits of the interlocutor, sometimes even harmful. We are accustomed to thinking that if a person crosses his arms over his chest, then this is a sign that he is closed off from his interlocutor. In fact, he might just be cold. A limp, weak handshake is not necessarily a sign of weakness or resentment; it can be caused by a painful scratch on the hand, or the habit of protecting your hands (for musicians).
We must not forget that gestures and facial expressions can be controlled and many people use this successfully.
Rules of behavior in public places.
And now we will move directly to etiquette. While in general outline, and in the following articles we will consider each separately.
Door. Let's start with front door. Today it is extremely rare to see two people arguing near open door: “No, only after you.” Our time dictates different rules, different speeds. And if someone lets someone pass ahead, there is no time for ceremony - you have to go through. And it is right. But! According to etiquette, a man should let a woman go first, a junior should let a senior pass, and a subordinate should let a superior pass. Of two people equal in age and position, the one closest to the door passes first. If you come home with a guest, then the hostess should enter first, and the guest should follow. The guest enters first if the host is male. If the guest is in your house for the first time and does not know the way, then the owner enters first, saying “Please follow me.” If the guest is a woman, the rules are the same. In cases where a guest needs to be led through an institution or apartment where there are still doors, the owner opens the door for him, then slightly gets ahead of him in front of him. next door, open it, let the guest through and repeat the same with the next door.
Ladder. It would seem that nothing special can be said about the rules of etiquette on the stairs, but here, too, there are laws. When going up the stairs, a man must walk behind a woman. The only exceptions are when the stairs are unreliable or dark. Going down the stairs goes first man.
If on a narrow staircase you meet old man, boss or woman, you need to slow down, step aside and let the oncoming person pass. Women, elderly people and children should not move away from the railings, even if this violates the right-hand traffic rules.
Elevator. Since the elevator is considered public territory, while in it, you can keep your hat on and say hello to those you usually greet. If a woman rides in an elevator without a companion, she presses the right button herself. If there is a man in the elevator and standing close to the panel, he must ask the others, especially women, which floor they need and press the appropriate buttons.
Escalator. A man gives a woman the opportunity to be the first to enter an upward escalator, unless there is a separate reason for helping her get off the escalator.
Shop. At the door of the store, you should first let those leaving, and then enter yourself. In shops and large institutions, a man should not remove his head covering. But if it is personal service, then you should take off your hat and salute the person serving you. When you approach the cash register, you should already have an approximate amount of money ready, and not delay other customers by searching for money in their pockets and wallet.
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Etiquette is a word of French origin that means manner of behavior. This word refers to some rules of politeness and politeness accepted in society. Elementary rules of behavior have existed since time immemorial. And the very concept of “etiquette” arose relatively recently - at the end of the 17th century. It was introduced into use at the court of the French king Louis XIV. At royal receptions, guests were given cards (labels) with rules of conduct.
In peasant Russia, the rules of behavior at the table were also strict: you could not knock or scrape a spoon on the dishes, throw leftover food on the floor, talk loudly, or laugh. All this speaks of the reverence that Russian people had for their daily bread. Here's what he writes about this famous writer and ethnographer S.V. Maksimov: “The job of all Orthodox peasants is to sit decorously at the table, to stop laughing at laughing, trifling conversations, and to look at the bread table as at the throne of God.” In Russia, people have always treated with deep respect not only the food itself, but also the room where the meal took place, as well as everything that surrounded it - furniture, dishes, tablecloths, etc.
But etiquette is not limited to table manners. General rules behavior determines the forms of communication between people in a variety of everyday situations. By expression American writer mid-19th century G. D. Thoreau, etiquette “prevents us from entering into battle.” If a person is unfriendly and unfriendly by nature, the rules of behavior in society will teach him to be kinder to others.
In order to build anything, be it a home or a human relationship, you need a strong foundation. Likewise, the etiquette to which a person submits must have support within himself. Etiquette has this support, the foundation has three layers.
The first is moral. This is respect, trust in people, kindness, responsiveness, mercy. Without this foundation, it is difficult for even an etiquette professor to build relationships with people.
The second layer of the foundation of etiquette is aesthetic, that is, taste, a sense of proportion and beauty in behavior, in clothing, in conversation, in receiving guests and in table setting, in a word, in everything with which a person “goes out” into society.
And finally, the third layer is historical. It can be illustrated by the words of A.S. Pushkin: “Respect for the past is the feature that distinguishes education from savagery.” This statement characterizes a respectful attitude towards the traditions of communication and hospitality that came from the past. For our modern society respect for historical traditions is very important, since decades of chaos and disorder have deprived us of many national customs. I would like to hope that over time they will be restored.
Modern etiquette inherits the customs and traditions of many peoples of the world from ancient times to the present day. At their core, these rules of behavior are universal, since they are observed by representatives of most peoples of the world. Of course, each country makes its own amendments and additions to etiquette, due to the specifics of its history, national traditions and customs. Thus, the custom of hospitality and hospitality came to us from Ancient Rome. The Scandinavians introduced into etiquette the rule of giving the most honorable places at the table to the most respected guests. The peoples of the Caucasus are respectful towards elders and women. And so on.
The rules of etiquette may change and become simpler over time, because etiquette is not a dogma established once and for all. In this publication we will set out in order the rules of conduct accepted in the modern world.
Business Etiquette
Business etiquette is a set of rules and norms for the appropriate behavior of partners in a joint business, ensuring respect for the human person and strict compliance with legal, financial and ethical obligations.
The generally accepted principles of cultural behavior include: the priority of elders and women, the principle of hygiene and the aesthetic principle.
Professor E.A. Utkin identifies the basic requirements of business etiquette:
1. Politeness and correctness.
2. Tact and delicacy.
3. Modesty.
4. Punctuality and commitment.
Gross failure to comply with any of these requirements will necessarily result in serious problems in business relationships.
There are five basic principles of business etiquette
1. The principle of reasonable selfishness - when performing your work functions, do not interfere with others performing theirs.
2. The principle of positivity - if you have nothing pleasant or positive to say, it is better to remain silent. Here are other manifestations of this principle:
Don't gossip or spread rumors. You think you are throwing a spear, but in reality you are throwing a boomerang;
Avoid discussing anyone's physical strengths or weaknesses, or discriminating based on gender or race. Remember, what Peter says about Paul says more about Peter than about Paul;
If your wit humiliates others, refrain from such wit.
3. The principle of predictability of behavior in various business situations.
4. There are no men and women at work, there are only status differences.
5. The principle of appropriateness: certain rules at a certain time, in a certain place, with certain people.
Business card.
In her book for businessmen - “The Laws of Business” - Christy Lee writes: “A business card is an important component of business. This is an effective and also not expensive form of advertising... The card is a strategic weapon. It influences business development long after you give it to someone. Don't be stingy with cards...Answer to the question: “What do you do?” should be in your pocket..."
Returning to the history of the business card, we can safely say that the first business cards appeared more than 2500 years ago in China. It was at this time that the first appearance of the ancestors of modern business cards was recorded - thin bamboo writing tablets. On one of the sides of such tablets, a text was written vertically, which indicated the person submitting the petition or making the visit, and briefly stated the request or the topic of the visit. In the 3rd century BC, bamboo writing tablets were replaced by another material - silk.
Naturally, such cards could not be universal, since they were made by calligraphers individually for each occasion, and, moreover, cost a lot of money.
Later, in the middle of the 17th century in France, during the time of Louis XIV, business cards appeared that were more similar to modern ones - made of cardboard. The splendor and luxury of the French court served to introduce visiting cards - carte de visite - into secular etiquette. From rather ordinary cardboard boxes, carte de visite turn into genuine masterpieces of graphic art and are a wonderful addition to the gloss, title and position of their owner. Speaking modern language, a visit card is an integral part of the image of a high-ranking French nobleman.
In Russia, the first business cards appeared during the reign of Catherine the Great. A business card, or as it was called among the “people” - a business card, continued to be a distinctive sign of persons of noble birth. Not everyone was allowed to have a business card. For example, even a very rich and famous merchant did not have the right to use a business card, but only a business leaflet.
Time passed, everything changed, and so did the attitude towards a business card. IN early XIX century, morning visits to relatives, acquaintances and colleagues have become very popular in society. And around the second half of the 19th century, such visits became a custom. The business card becomes an integral part of such visits. Thus, the business card becomes part of social etiquette. Knowing the rules for presenting business cards becomes as mandatory as knowing how to use cutlery.
His way out into the “people”, or rather into business people, the business card owes to the increased role of the bourgeoisie in society in late XIX century. No wonder English name business card - business card - literally translated means “business card”, and contributes not only to the presentation ceremony, but to the development of business connections.
Unfortunately, in post-revolutionary Russia, business card goes “underground” for a long time, as a relic of the bourgeoisie. IN Soviet times The use of business cards applies only to diplomatic protocol and foreign economic activity. The culture of business cards at this time is not clear and unknown to the average Soviet person.
The revival of business card etiquette in Russia began with the development entrepreneurial activity in our country in the late 80s of the last century. During this period, the business card again begins to take its place in the field of business communications.
As mentioned earlier, a business card is one of the components of the company’s image and the personal image of its owner. It is not only an expression of a person’s individual style and taste, but also the corporate identity of the company.
Today, there are three main types of business cards:
A personal business card, as a rule, it contains the first and last name of the owner. Telephone numbers, positions and addresses are not required. This business card is characterized by a fairly free execution style.
A business business card, the name, surname, position, name and details of the company must be indicated here. The company's corporate identity, logo, etc. is used. As a rule, such a business card is made in a strict style.
A corporate business card that does not contain a first and last name. It indicates the scope of the company’s activities, list of services, contact numbers, location map, web resource address, and corporate symbols. This business card is of an advertising nature and is mainly used at exhibitions. Often such business cards are made double-sided, or in the form of a book.
I Period: BC – 17th century
II Period: 18-19 centuries.
III Period: 20th century and modern times.
I Period: BC – 17th century Collapse of the Roman Empire 476 AD -17th century English bourgeois revolution - the Middle Ages.
Etiquette owes its appearance to the system of ceremonies at court and international negotiations, i.e. reception of foreign ambassadors.
Based on archaeological excavations carried out at the end of the last century, it was possible to establish, for example, that first written contract in human history was concluded between the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II and the Hittite king Hattushil III (the territory of modern Turkey) in 1278 BC. Moreover, to confirm fidelity to the document engraved on a silver tile, on one side the Hittite king depicted himself sitting next to the god of the winds, and on the other - the queen next to the sun goddess. Ramses II also carved silver tiles with similar images. The custom of preparing two identical (authentic) texts of an agreement has since become part of the everyday practice of international communication.
Ancients Egyptians and other peoples East conducted oral and written negotiations with each other, sent and received ambassadors, declared wars and concluded truces, marked borders, and exchanged prisoners. All these international actions were carried out in accordance with certain customs, in a solemn atmosphere and were sanctified, as a rule, by “divine powers.”
At the dawn of the civilized history of mankind, special persons - ambassadors - began to be allocated for official communication with other states. In ancient Egyptian document - “instructions to Duan, son of Akhtoya, to his son Piopi” - among other things, there is the following mention: “A messenger, going to a foreign country, makes a will in favor of the children for fear of lions and Asians... When he leaves, a brick is in his belt” - it is nothing like a clay cuneiform tablet with the credentials of a messenger.
The oldest information about etiquette is approximately five thousand years old. Cheerful Greeks, those who extolled love for the Motherland, ready to give their lives for it, worshiped reason, strength and beauty. Restraint on weekdays, emancipation on holidays and fury in battle are the most valued forms of behavior among the Greeks. IN Ancient Greece The god Hermes was considered the patron saint of ambassadors. The ambassadors carried special “rods of Hermes” with them. The wings of a bird and two intertwined knots were attached to the top of the staff, entwined with laurel. The knots symbolized efficiency and cunning, and the wings symbolized maneuverability and mobility. The ambassador was given instructions written on two cards or tablets folded in half - “diplomas”. This is where the word “diplomacy” came into use.
The term itself "ethics" introduced into scientific circulation Aristotle, who wrote such works as “Nicomachean Ethics”, “Great Ethics”.
Ancient Rome, although he accepted Greek culture as a basis, due to its social conditions, it was blatantly disharmonious in needs, moral and aesthetic standards. Naturally, this was reflected in etiquette: intemperance in behavior, manifestation of feelings, the desire to conquer with luxury in outfits and festivities.
In the Republican Ancient Rome the ceremony of sending the ambassadors was no less solemn. Usually they were sent in a group (from three to ten people) - an entire embassy. Each member of such a collegial embassy received a gold ring, which gave the right to duty-free transportation of luggage across the border. During their journey by sea, the ambassadors were accompanied by an honorary escort of ships.
Interestingly, to organize the reception of foreign envoys in Rome, a special position of “master of protocol” was created. In honor of foreign guests, folk festivals and entertainment were organized. The Senate received them at a ceremonial meeting and appointed a special commission to negotiate with them.
Upon departure, gifts were exchanged. Even without knowing the word “etiquette,” court ceremonial was created in the East. etiquette is determined by centuries-old traditions and a complex hierarchy of class stratifications. Japanese etiquette requires extreme delicacy and is based on concern not to embarrass the interlocutor. Ancient Chinese etiquette has more than thirty thousand ceremonies.
In the Middle Ages, lush and canonical etiquette especially stands out Byzantium, absorbed the culture of the West and the East. He had a great influence on the ceremony of international communication. The solemnity and pomp of the Byzantine reception of foreign embassies was intended to dazzle the guests and convince them of the power of the empire. Etiquette was sometimes used contrary to its natural purpose - not to express feelings of friendship, but to demonstrate strength and superiority. This tendency was later observed to a greater or lesser extent in all exploiting states.
This is how the envoy of King Berenragia of Italy (10th century), a certain Luitprand, describes the reception ceremony Byzantium. In front of the king's throne stood a golden tree, on which golden birds chirped and fluttered. On either side of the throne stood golden lions, beating their tails and roaring. When Luitprand, who according to the rules was supposed to prostrate himself before the emperor, raised his head, he, to his amazement, saw that the throne, with the king sitting on it, had risen to the ceiling and that the king was already wearing different clothes.
Peers in early Middle Ages lasted for many hours. At them, affairs were discussed, disputes were resolved, songs were performed, and values were exchanged, and people of the same status were supposed to receive gifts of equal value. At the feast, cups were raised in honor of the king, the successful completion of military campaigns, some eminent guest, etc. A joint feast was considered in the early Middle Ages an important ritual act that established friendly ties, banished hostility, and brought good luck. Therefore, armed conflicts in the banquet hall were punished more severely than anywhere else. During the feast, the owner sat on a dais at the head of the meal, distributed favors to those close to him, presented gifts, often emphasizing his disdain for his own property. Such demonstrative generosity persisted for an extremely long time in medieval society and determined many rules of behavior.
Usage knife and fork for eating (to prepare food or take it from a dish was known earlier) dates back to the 16th century and is the greatest advance in European table etiquette. In the 16th century, people ate with a fork only in Italy, while other European countries were in no hurry to accept this innovation: Anna of Austria took meat stew with her hands; at the brilliant court of her son Louis XIV, the use of a fork was not welcomed and was even directly prohibited by the king himself, who preferred to see his courtiers taking food with their hands, like himself; Montaigne did not use a fork, admitting that he often eats so quickly that he bites his fingers.
The main feature feudal society was social system chivalry, exerting a huge influence on European etiquette and creating countless new ceremonies and rituals around the feudal aristocracy, such as knighting, accepting homage (from the French hommage - vassalage), declaring war and participating in a tournament, serving the lord and chosen lady of the heart. The code of knightly honor prescribed the observance of complex etiquette procedures, deviation from which even in the smallest detail could lower the dignity of a knight in the eyes of other representatives of this class. Every act of the knight, his clothing and its colors, his words and gestures - everything had a certain symbolic meaning.
In the Middle Ages, the scope of application of etiquette in international communication expanded. Increasingly, not only diplomatic representatives, but also crowned heads, nobles, merchants, scientists and traveling students communicate with each other. The legislator of the rules of etiquette in the early and middle Middle Ages was the Church, and in the later Middle Ages - the royal courts of Paris, London and other European capitals.
First known treatise on behavior, Disciplina Clericalis, published in 1204, was composed by the Spanish priest Pedro Alfonso. The book was intended for the clergy. On its basis, manuals on etiquette were later published in England, Holland, France, and in the German and Italian lands. Their content was dominated by table manners. Other issues were also touched upon - the procedure for conducting conversations and receiving guests.
Despite the fact that England and France are usually called “classical countries of etiquette,” in the 14th century. they were far from this title. Rough morals, ignorance in the 15th century. dominated these countries. In addition, Europe was drowning in internecine wars (England and France; in Germany, the internal war of the Hussites). The name of the birthplace of etiquette rightfully bears Italy. The refinement of the morals of Italian society dates back to the 14th century. The rise of the arts, characteristic of the Renaissance, aesthetic and mental pleasure changed the life and morals of people. Refinement, grace, manners, fashion, etiquette - all this has become of keen interest to Italians...
So, etiquette originated in Italy in the period of formation of the absolute monarchy. Adhering to certain rules of behavior and ceremony was necessary to exalt the reigning persons, to consolidate a certain hierarchy of relationships. Not only a person’s career, but also a person’s life often depended on compliance with the rules. That's how it was in China, Ancient Egypt, Rome, Golden Horde. Violation of etiquette led to enmity between tribes, peoples and even wars. The rules of etiquette are observed especially strictly to this day. countries of the Far and Middle East.
Etiquette function.Social the function is to divide society by rank, estate, nobility of the family, titles, and property status.
According to historical facts, the word “etiquette” for the first time appeared in use at the court of Louis XIV - the same one to whom legend attributes the saying: “The State is me.” At royal receptions, guests were given cards (labels) with rules of behavior. And from the name of the card came the word “etiquette”. Etiquette at the French court of the 17th century reached its apogee at the court of Louis XIV, where, through the efforts of the “Sun King,” every little thing was ritualized. The ceremonies of that time elevated the king to the level of an inaccessible deity.
First President USA George Washington became famous for the fact that at the age of 14, using an English translation of a book by a French monk published in 1640, he compiled 110 “Rules of Decent Conduct.” Here are just a few of them: “Don’t scratch at the table, don’t pick your teeth with a fork, don’t crush fleas in public...” Later American codes of rules are largely focused on the practicality of the writings of the prominent writer and political figure B. Franklin.
Concerning Russia, then until the 18th century, wealthy citizens lived guided by “Domostroy”. The book was a set of rules written by the priest Sylvester in the era of Ivan IV. The sole power in the family belonged to the father: he decided the family court, punished the evil wife, and crushed the ribs of his son for disobedience.
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 to 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. In the turbulent era of Peter I lifestyle Russian people have changed dramatically. Special manuals were created for young nobles: they indicated in detail how to behave in society. Thus, 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 the aristocratic Western Europe the strictness of court etiquette sometimes led to funny 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 was especially complex. royalty. 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 unsuccessful attempt force 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 what they considered stupid rules of etiquette.
Over the centuries, each nation has brought its own specifics and national flavor to the development of etiquette. Most 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 among the most remarkable distinctive features European and eastern peoples. One of the most common medieval Europe The stories 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 the ancient traditional forms veneration of a woman, an ancestor. 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.
Introduction
Etiquette (from the French étiquette - label, inscription) - norms and rules that reflect ideas about the proper behavior of people in society. In its modern form and meaning, the word was first used at the court of King Louis XIV of France - cards (labels) were distributed to guests stating how they should behave; although certain sets of norms and rules of behavior have existed since ancient times.
It is traditionally accepted that the ancestor countries of etiquette are England and France, but the way of life in these countries at that time was such that in these cruel and rude conditions a person could not improve in his spiritual and moral endeavors. Certain moral rules and behavior arose around the 14th century in Italy, where already at that time the social essence and culture of the individual began to take one of the first places. In Russia, one of the first sets of rules of behavior is considered to be “domostroy” (16th century).
Types of etiquette
Etiquette may vary significantly depending on the specific era and cultural environment. It can also be divided into situational and professional, secular and business, although it is often impossible to draw clear boundaries between them, since the rules of various sections of etiquette are repeated, include the rules of other sections (sometimes slightly modified), and are based on basic norms of behavior.
Speech etiquette
Table etiquette
Wedding etiquette
Mourning etiquette
Weekend etiquette (theater, concert, etc.)
Diplomatic etiquette
Professional etiquette(military, medical, legal, service, etc.)
Religious etiquette
Office etiquette
Telephone etiquette
Etiquette is one of the most pronounced cultural phenomena, which affects the entire gamut of human feelings and emotions and enriches human communication itself. The role of etiquette in society has always been very great, which is confirmed by its long historical and social evolution, functions in society, multifaceted structure, diverse types and forms.
Unlike ritual, whose ritual ceremonies are demonstrative in nature, etiquette is based on practical social expediency. The most important feature of etiquette is that it is always subordinate to the established system of cultural values. Accepting etiquette norms means recognizing oneself as a member of a given social group or society as a whole and submitting to the prevailing rules here. cultural values. The social significance of etiquette is manifested in the fact that it reflects the equality and inequality of individuals and groups (both external and internal), the social hierarchy that has developed in society, the democracy or conservatism of social relations. Etiquette allows people to navigate repeated sociocultural situations (greetings, making acquaintances, behavior in public places, etc.). The etiquette also reflects the general cultural level people (education, good manners, conformism). Despite the fact that etiquette norms are associated with a significant limitation on the egoism of an individual, they are taken for granted by the majority. This also reveals the uniqueness of etiquette, which can have a significant impact on people’s consciousness and their moral guidelines. The most important social function etiquette is the prevention of conflict situations in interpersonal communication, where it plays the role of a strong preventive agent. Here etiquette can relieve psychological tension. IN conflict situations(family, interpersonal conflicts) etiquette norms perform the function of “synton” (“psychological stroking”). Tactfulness, as a sign of respect for the conflicting party, creates conditions for a civilized resolution of the conflict. Etiquette standards help people find mutual language behave with dignity difficult situations. Failure to use etiquette worsens relationships between people and leads to human drama. Etiquette, being the greatest asset of human culture, not only regulates social relations, but also enriches people's lives, since it has a vivid “game effect”.
History of etiquette
“To free oneself from observing the rules of decency, doesn’t it mean to look for means for the free manifestation of one’s “shortcomings?” - the outstanding French thinker C. Montesquieu philosophically noted. Obviously, from the time of birth, a person is constantly faced with this dilemma - to drive himself into relatively narrow the framework of the established rules of behavior and at the same time find justifications for non-compliance with them. Meanwhile, the world of civilized communication put in order and systematized these kinds of rules. The first rules of behavior that became the basis of behavioral culture arose for them. society. Their main task was to create the most favorable conditions for survival with development. public organization behavioral regulation became more complex. Instructions for behavior appeared, ceremonies for the most important social events were developed, and a behavioral order was formed that reflected the life of a particular social group: nobles, merchants, artisans, even traveling students. A strict order of behavior was strictly observed at the monarchical courts and in diplomatic circles.
In the 17th century, during the time of King Louis XIV, who sought to strengthen his power in every possible way, court etiquette was formed as a mandatory procedure for behavior at the court of the French king. However, the same order existed in other monarchical courts of Europe: Spain, Italy, England. England and France are usually called “classical countries of etiquette.” However, they cannot be called the birthplace of etiquette, since in the 15th century rudeness of morals, ignorance, worship of brute force, etc. dominated in both countries. . France gave this order a definition and expressed it in verbal form - etiquette.
Etiquette is the order of behavior established in society, which includes a set of rules governing the external expression of relationships between people, manifested in behavior, addresses and greetings, behavior in public places, manners and appearance person. One of the most important conditions and the requirements of etiquette were the hitherto unknown desire to please others, to be a person of pleasant manners and speeches. There is no need to talk about Germany and other countries of Europe at that time. Italy alone at that time is an exception. The improvement of the morals of Italian society began already in the 14th century. Man was moving from feudal morals to the spirit of modern times, and this transition began in Italy earlier than in other countries.
If we compare Italy of the 15th century with other peoples of Europe, we immediately notice more high degree education, wealth, the ability to decorate your life. And at the same time, England, having ended one war, was drawn into another, remaining a country of barbarians until the middle of the 16th century. In Germany, the cruel and irreconcilable war of the Hussites was raging, the nobility was ignorant, fist law reigned, and all disputes were resolved by force. France was enslaved and devastated by the British, the French did not recognize any merits other than military ones, they not only did not respect science, but even abhorred it and considered all scientists the most insignificant of people. In short, while the rest of Europe was drowning in civil strife, and feudal orders were still in full force, Italy was a country of new culture. This country deserves rightly to be called the birthplace of etiquette.
In Russia, the word “etiquette” spread in the 18th century. Since the time of Peter I, in connection with socio-economic changes in the life of the state, noble etiquette began to take shape, uniquely combining ancient Russian customs and traditions with European rules of behavior. New ones were born public relations, and therefore a new ceremony. Many decrees were adopted, defining what to wear, what hairstyle to do, how to act in various situations, etc. In 1717, a collection of behavioral advice appeared (“An honest mirror of youth, or Indications for everyday behavior collected from various authors”), which immediately gained popularity among young nobles. In the second half of the 18th century. in Russia, the old patriarchal behavioral order was supplanted by a new one developed by the nobility. It was based on education and good manners, grace of manners and rules of decency. But the provincial nobility was in no hurry to change the old way of life, gradually yielding to the new demands of behavior and communication.
Nevertheless, such significant phenomena actively entered into life public life, as a theater that became a trendsetter in court fashion, Peter's assemblies, which later degenerated into balls with European dances, brought Russian society curtsey and kiss the lady's hand. The men felt like gentlemen and began to court the ladies, and the ladies began to flirt and get carried away by the beauty of their outfits. Analyzing modern etiquette norms, one can see their commonality with the norms of the 18th century, because even today the need for polite and friendly communication between people remains.
In the XVIII – XIX centuries. Russian society was dominated by noble etiquette, the bearer of which was a personality type whose behavior, appearance and lifestyle were based on cultural traditions that organically combined ethical and aesthetic norms. As in previous times, a clear awareness of oneself in the social hierarchy was brought up: to know and understand one’s place in society, wisely assessing the superiority of those who are higher in position, refraining from getting close to them and showing modesty. There were still many degrees and shades of etiquette. Relations between strangers or acquaintances, friends or relatives, persons different in gender, age, position, rank, brought to the fore certain etiquette rules. But in any case, respect and courtesy, modesty and restraint, as well as strict attention to one’s own were required. appearance, manners and speech. At the same time, etiquette was understood as a set of formalities relating to appearance and behavior. In society they said: good manners, good manners. The pedagogical theory of “to be and to appear” has received widespread development. Educators of noble children taught their pupils to hide their true feelings, control themselves and demonstrate only beautiful external manners in society, without thinking at all about the truth and sincerity of feelings. Not to be, but to seem kind, kind, pleasant.
Among the various intelligentsia, a critical attitude towards the ostentatious mannerisms of noble etiquette has emerged. Along with a new way of life and new life ideals rules of behavior and communication were formed, the essence of which was reduced to greater simplicity. At the same time, the best representatives of the noble class always adhered to this very rule in their behavior. The features of noble etiquette remained fundamental for Russian society at the end of the 19th century.
After the events of 1917, living conditions in Russia radically changed, new rules of behavior and norms emerged. Social etiquette was destroyed metropolitan nobility and patriarchal traditions of the Russian province. The illiterate masses did not understand the essence and significance of etiquette, considering it an unnecessary luxury of the old world. Only way out Soviet Russia in the international arena, he preserved the etiquette basis of behavior among diplomatic, and then senior government and party workers. But for the majority of the country's population, instead of a thoughtful behavioral system developed over two centuries, a new, Soviet order of behavior was formed, which was based on class proletarian interests, peculiarly combined with selective rules of the previous etiquette. Long years there was a belief that etiquette is the order of behavior accepted at the court of the monarch and among diplomats. In a socialist society, a culture of behavior was observed, which, in general, is essentially correct, since it includes the nature and order of behavior, including etiquette - an achievement developed by humanity in the field of behavior.
IN last decade the word “etiquette” again acquired a broad meaning. Many books have been published that reveal the content of modern etiquette. In different educational institutions the study of the behavioral structure of society is introduced. An understanding of the functional significance of etiquette for the development of society and each individual individually is affirmed.
Thus, the established moral norms are the result of a long-term process of formation of relationships between people. Without observing these norms, political, economic, and cultural relations are impossible, because one cannot exist without respecting each other and without imposing certain restrictions on oneself. Modern etiquette inherits the customs of almost all nations from hoary antiquity to the present day. Fundamentally, these rules of behavior are universal, since they are observed not only by representatives of a given society, but also by representatives of the most diverse socio-political systems existing in the modern world. The people of each country make their own amendments and additions to etiquette, determined by the social system of the country, the specifics of its historical structure, national traditions and customs.
