From childhood, each of us was taught good manners by our parents. They explained how to behave at the table, why you must eat everything that is put on your plate, why it is indecent to stick your tongue out or spit at someone, and much more. But all these good and bad habits can very well play an evil or, on the contrary, unexpectedly pleasant joke on you while traveling around the world. We have selected the most strange rules etiquette in the world. They may seem like a ridiculous fantasy to you, but they are true.
Spitting
It's rude to spit on the sidewalk. Everyone knows this, but they continue to do it. Spitting at a person is even more indecent, and everyone shows more restraint in this. Remember your childhood, when one of the most effective responses to some bully was spitting in the face. Quite practical, because there is always enough drool. In general, spitting in the direction of a person has always been considered one of the most severe insults that can be invented. Because of this true gentlemen they shot and fought with swords. But not in African tribe Maasai. With them, spitting on another is the same as shaking hands with us. But they also shake each other’s hands, although after spitting on them. Otherwise, they will suddenly forget to pour a supply of saliva on the interlocutor when they meet. It’s hard for newborns who are spat on from head to toe by their relatives. They say that for the sake of one such spit, family representatives can come from all over the country.
Tongue sticking out
For us, sticking our tongue out at a person, and even making some kind of ominous face at the same time, is a trivial matter. And no one is trying to see any malicious intent in this. But in India this gesture is associated with enormous human anger, and in Italy you can even be taken to the police for this. Yes, yes, don't be surprised. Sticking your tongue out in the land of pizza and pasta is considered behavior that offends the honor and dignity of others. But in Tibet, where all the people are enlightened and gentle, your sticking out tongue can serve as a respectful greeting.
Flowers
Giving flowers has always been considered an elegant (if banal) gesture on the part of a man. In our country, you are unlikely to fool yourself too much in choosing beautiful bouquet. But if you are abroad, you will have to think a little. For example, in Germany and France, white flowers like chrysanthemums or lilies are considered mourning. And a bouquet of such flowers on an ordinary day will be interpreted as if you are eager to send a person to another world. But in the Czech Republic the trick is a little different. Flowers there are exclusively romantic character. Therefore, you should not give them to your teacher or boss: your emotional impulse is unlikely to be interpreted correctly.
Eat all the food on your plate
You, of course, remember how your mother would not let you leave the dinner table for a long time until you had eaten everything. However, as it turned out, this will not be considered good form everywhere. In some countries, such as the Philippines, a clean plate may surprise your host because it means you haven't had enough to eat. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that, but then they’ll definitely give you more, and if you eat it all again, they might call you a glutton. Therefore, to avoid getting into an awkward situation, leave some food on your plate. Even the smallest piece left by you will mean that you were satisfied.
Chomping
Continuing the dining theme. Again, from childhood, we all remember the constant reminder from our parents: don’t slurp. Yes, from the outside, a slurping person does not look very attractive, sometimes even disgusting. But not in China or Japan. There, this gesture when eating soup or noodles is mandatory, as it will be the best praise for the cook. But if you don’t do this, then everyone may think that you were unhappy or simply not very polite.
Compliments
Saying good words pleases not only you, but also others. We love not only giving compliments, but also receiving them. All over the world, appreciating your friend's dress or the furniture in the room would be a nice gesture, but not in the Middle East. Your compliment can put the owner of the house in an awkward position, since a compliment there is considered a hint that you want to get the thing that you spoke well of, and your friend cannot refuse you. But not only will it be difficult for the owner, but also for you. After all, a gift must be responded to with a more expensive gift. Therefore, you need to be careful with compliments.
Lateness
And they also drilled it into our heads that you can’t make another person wait for you. Of course, being late for an interview or a romantic meeting does not do you any honor (on the contrary, it only aggravates your situation), and in the eyes of a girl or employer you immediately become not the most responsible guy and employee. But punctuality is not the norm everywhere. In Tanzania, arriving on time to a birthday party or meeting is considered unforgivably rude. Arriving on time means putting yourself above your friend, since not all residents have not only a personal car, but even access to public transport. Therefore, if you make an appointment there, then do not dare insist on punctuality: for this you will be known as a proud rude person. If you find yourself in Tanzania and go to a meeting, be sure to be 15 minutes late, or even thirty. Show how polite you are.
British etiquette is considered the most complex and sophisticated. For example, it is unacceptable to start a conversation with an unfamiliar guest before you have been introduced to each other. In general, it is not customary to quietly conduct a separate conversation: the conversation should be general. The handshake should be brief, or even just a nod of the head as a sign of greeting, and women only imitate a kiss among themselves. No unnecessary gestures, feelings are expressed with a smile. Hands are kept under the table, but not in the pockets. It is not recommended to boast at the table, but it is customary to give compliments. It is unacceptable to interrupt the speaker, even if he is clearly wrong. We need to let him speak to the end.
Even in ordinary English families V Everyday life It is customary to set the table according to the rules, and this is done in the evening. In the morning, ready-made dishes and plates are displayed - chilled or heated, depending on what dish they are intended for.
Members of the English royal family have even more complex etiquette: for example, they never eat crustaceans and mollusks. No invited lady should have a brim larger than the Queen's. You cannot shake hands with members of the royal family, you are not supposed to touch them at all. You cannot start eating before the queen or finish later than her. At the same time, the queen always knows how to smooth out any awkwardness that arises. For example, when Yuri Gagarin appeared at the reception, he could not understand the complex intricacy of different-sized instruments, and in order to insure himself from sidelong glances, he immediately turned to the queen with the words that he grew up in a peasant family and was accustomed to using only one spoon. Then Her Majesty Elizabeth ordered all unnecessary cutlery to be removed from the table. There is also a legend that the astronaut caught and ate a piece of lemon from his tea, which shocked the distinguished guests, but the queen did the same, and all the invitees followed her example.
But during the Middle Ages, English etiquette was completely different. Rude king-knights rode horses through the straw-lined halls of their castles. They adopted the custom of clinking mugs so that their contents splashed out and mixed: in this way, the diners proved that they had not poured poison into their neighbor’s glass.
Meal of the Tatar-Mongols
The complete opposite of the high English style is table etiquette Tatar-Mongols, as they are commonly called in Rus'. The most honorable dish was a boiled horse's eye, given to the guest personally from the host of the feast. It was supposed to be so that no one would have any doubts about high quality served dishes: loudly burping and slurping. This was a sign of politeness and gratitude for the delicious treat. They ate with their hands from leather, metal or ceramic dishes. Weapons were always left outside the yurt.
Customs of the peoples of the Far North
Among the Chukchi, Evens and other peoples who roamed in small groups, in addition to food, back in the 20th century, the custom of handing over a wife to a guest for the night was practiced. The purpose of this practice was to avoid degeneration: after all, the peoples of the far north lived in small communities and practically did not communicate with outside world. Most marriages were related, and a child from a random guest added “fresh blood” to the tribe.
Table customs in Germany
The Germans are characterized by a love for a thorough and enjoyable meal. They do not create unnecessary piles of etiquette, but follow the rules: the oldest person sits down at the table first. The interlocutor can be called by title or profession. While eating they talk about pleasant and insignificant things, joke and laugh. It is customary to keep your hands above the table. Holding back gas or burping is considered unhealthy. The louder the sound, the more fun it causes; in such a situation, it is customary to exchange the dialogue “bitte schön” - “danke schön”
French rules
The French are big fans of delicious food. You don't have to take off your street shoes in someone else's house. Guests are seated alternating men and women. The dish must be eaten to the end, and it is not customary to add salt or pepper to it: this will mean that the guest is dissatisfied. Bread is eaten by breaking off small pieces. Cheese is a separate dish and is served after the hot dish. Serving alcohol at the table is a signal that you can get ready to go home.
Chinese etiquette
During feasts, the principles of Feng Shui are applied, so a joint meal usually takes place during round table. Quite a few superstitions are observed: it is not customary to turn the fish over after eating one side, and chopsticks are not stuck into a pile of rice.
It's no secret that the Chinese are masters of drinking. It is customary for them to clink glasses, but the glass must be held with both hands, and the one with the higher status holds it higher. If a more significant dinner companion wishes to show respect, he lowers his glass to the level of the one with whom he is clinking glasses. In general, dishes that are received or passed must be held with both hands. The focus of the entire feast is the guest of honor: he is the first to take a seat and begin the meal. While eating, it is not customary to do anything else: talk about extraneous things or watch TV. All attention is only to food, taking supplements is welcomed and encouraged. At the end of the feast, as a sign of gratitude, you need to knock on the table with two fingers.
Japanese etiquette
When entering a house, it is customary to take off your shoes, and instead of shaking hands, you need to bow. Before eating, be sure to say “Itadakimas,” which means “bon appetit.” They eat with chopsticks, and they must be handled carefully: do not stick them into the food, do not wave them in all directions: this will be regarded as a sign of low culture. You can't sit cross-legged. Loud slurping is a compliment, not a sign of bad taste. Empty sake glasses are immediately refilled.
Nepal Rules
In Nepal left hand It is considered unclean and does not participate in food. The food base is rice, which is served with various additions of vegetables and peas; this dish is called “dalbat”. Nowadays two spoons are served for it, and the older generation traditionally eats with their hands. Cucumbers are a delicacy, and only recently they were served to the table only in the fully ripe stage, and this was considered a valuable and rare dish.
Customs of Greece
IN Ancient Greece They dined lying on couches around a low table. In rich houses, the meal was accompanied by singing, playing the flute or reciting poetry. It was a sign of good manners to invite philosophers or rhetoricians to the table. Good, aged wine, which was diluted with water, was highly valued.
Nowadays, the host of a feast can deliberately stain the tablecloth so that the guests do not worry if the same incident occurs.
Ancient Rome and Italy
The Romans adopted the custom of eating while lying down from the Greeks. But this one warlike people preferred other table entertainments: for example, in rich houses it could be a gladiator battle, poetic praise of the owner’s exploits, flogging a slave, or even an orgy. Triclinium - dining hall, decorated with mosaics and frescoes. The Romans were lovers of extremely refined cooking: they developed methods for feeding domestic animals, as well as eels and lampreys, and sometimes fed them to offending slaves.
The dish could consist of some very small elements like nightingale tongues.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, morals changed, but it is still not customary to have a meal hastily. Italians can sit at the table for two hours, or even more. A lot of time is spent on communication. At official receptions, pizza is eaten with a knife and fork, in a narrow circle - with hands, but it is not customary to bend it.
Russian table customs
In Rus' they began to use a two-pronged fork at a time when all of Europe still ate with its hands. There were two types of spoons: large ones, which were used as a bowl, scooping from a common cauldron; or small ones, like modern ones, for which individual dishes were served. The men had their own knife for cutting meat.
A relic of paganism was the custom of kissing: the hostess kissed the lips of a lonely male guest who entered and brought him a glass of intoxicating drink on a platter. At parting, guests were given “plantains”: pies from the table.
In Russia, the custom of clinking glasses originally appeared to ward off evil spirits. The one who is older in age or rank holds the glass higher; a woman is always a priority over a man.
During the Soviet era, when cooking was greatly simplified and the set of ingredients for salad was minimal, it was considered a sign of respect for guests to cut vegetables as small as possible. This was a sign that the hostess was working day and night in anticipation of her dear guests. In general, labor-intensive and multi-step dishes were in fashion: jelly, herring under a fur coat. Dishes that took little time to prepare were considered disrespectful to the guests.
Currently, etiquette is changing: food is rising to the status of food that is not plentiful, but healthy. Guests may wonder what to bring to the table. These could be homemade “specialty” dishes, drinks, or something that is a specialty of your favorite establishment.
If you dream of traveling a lot, you should know that people from other countries are very different from Russians. Moreover, this applies to almost everything: from clothing to etiquette rules. Therefore, in order not to get into trouble, we suggest that you study some of the rules of etiquette of different countries (we warn you, they are often strange).
In France People who eat quickly are treated with contempt. It's common to enjoy food there. This is probably why the French have such tiny portions...
And in Korea It is unacceptable to start eating before the oldest person sitting at the table has done so. If you start without waiting for the others, you risk being left without dinner.
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IN Italy asking for more cheese with a dish is an insult to the cook. Although no one has complained about the amount of cheese yet. Putting Parmesan on pizza is like putting jelly on chocolate mousse. Even many pasta dishes are not designed for Parmesan. So, in Rome, for example, pecorino is considered a traditional cheese, which is added to many classic recipes pasta. Rule number one: if they don't offer it to you, don't ask.
IN Kazakhstan It is customary to serve cups of tea only half full. There is no point in commenting on this or asking for a refill, because a full cup means that the owner is looking forward to your departure.
IN Nigeria Small children are not fried eggs because it is believed that if you feed them eggs, they will start stealing.
And on Jamaica Children are not given chicken until the children learn to speak. It is believed that chicken meat may prevent a child from speaking.
As for tips, Japan, for example, they never leave them at all. Most often, the waiter begins to wonder why they left him extra money. Moreover, tipping can be seen as an insult or a pity gift. If a client wants to express gratitude, it is best to do this with a small gift. Or put the money in an envelope and then give it to the waiter.
Also in Japan Between snacks, the chopsticks should lie together directly in front of you, parallel to the edge of the table. Under no circumstances should you stick chopsticks directly into a bowl of rice. The fact is that during the funeral in Japan a bowl of rice for the deceased is placed in front of his coffin, sticking chopsticks directly into the rice...
IN China Do not cut long noodles while eating, since noodles are the embodiment of longevity, and by cutting them, you shorten your life.
The Chinese will consider you rude if you point your chopsticks at someone while eating.
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Since childhood, our parents forced us to finish our food. However, in some countries, a clean plate can confuse or even offend the host. On Philippines, V North Africa, as well as in some regions China the host is obliged to refill the guest's plate if he has eaten everything that was in it. Only when the guest leaves some food on the plate does the host realize that he is full. Failure to comply with this rule in some situations may offend the owner. He will interpret a guest's clean plate as a sign that he is considered greedy.
In what countries is slurping encouraged, how to show a Mongolian that you are full, and what to do if you are spat in the back.
China, Japan: slurp
Try to eat soup or noodles in a restaurant, sipping, and you will immediately notice how other visitors will start looking at you askance. And a chef in China and Japan, noticing this, would be pleased. After all, here, sipping soup or noodles means that the food is so tasty that you don’t have the strength to wait for it to cool down. A quiet meal means you are unhappy.
“Despite the fact that there is a cult of food here, despite the fact that Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse and, I would even say, incomprehensible, there is no food culture here. Perhaps its beginnings can still be found in some individual restaurants in the capital. But in general there is none. The Chinese are very pragmatic when it comes to food. For them, this is in no way a process, but only a result. Food is consumed rapidly, passionately, with concentration, with loud slurping, burping and spitting out bones on the floor or directly on the tablecloth. At the same time, everyone present talks loudly, shouting over each other, exposing bad teeth and half-chewed food,” writes Grigory Potemkin, who has lived in China for about eight years, in his blog.
Kenya: spit
In tribal Kenya, each community has its own rituals, but the custom of spitting on someone you meet is valid for at least 40 of them. Thus, in the Akamba tribe they spit on people they meet as a sign of deep respect. The Maasai wet their hands with saliva before shaking hands. Children who greet elders may get a lump of saliva in their back. You cannot be offended - this is how you wish a child a long life. For the same reason, it is customary in the tribe to spit on a newborn. However, the Maasai generally love to give a damn about everything and everyone: the gift they want to give, the new home they are going to live in. This is a wonderful amulet. According to a resident of Kenya with the nickname kawira, there are many other tribes (there are 42 in Kenya alone) whose members spit. Thus, members of the Ameru tribe bless each other in this way. However, only elders are allowed to do this.
Germany: blow your nose heartily
In Germany, you shouldn’t be surprised if a decently dressed German at the next table in a restaurant finishes his dish, puts his fork and knife on the plate, after which he takes a handkerchief out of his pocket and... blows his nose loudly. “What is natural is not ugly,” the German believes, and blows his nose wherever circumstances require it. “I was very surprised to hear at a lecture how someone, excuse me, blows his nose loudly. I thought it was an isolated incident. I asked other fellows. They said, It’s the same at their universities. Google showed that many people were interested in this issue before me.<...>They can chew an apple under your ear throughout the lecture or blow their nose at the table. I'm still getting used to these things. Cultural characteristics"- writes Sabina Serikova, who more than a year lives in Germany and studies cognitive science.
PRC, Tibet: show tongue
In remote villages of Tibet, the custom of sticking out your tongue when greeting each other is still preserved - as a sign of the openness of your intentions. According to one version, the passer-by thus shows that he is not a reincarnated demon.
Another theory is related to the last king Tibet named Langdarma. He went down in history as a persecutor of Buddhism, a desecrator of shrines and a murderer of monks. He was so angry that even his tongue was black. And since reincarnation is quite real for Buddhists, they do not discount the possibility of the monster reappearing.
Is it true, Lately Tibetans show their tongues less and less when they meet. This is evidenced by the responses of travelers. “I've met a lot of Tibetans, but I've rarely seen them stick out their tongues when I meet them,” notes user Klein on the Rattle that Cage forum dedicated to Buddhism.
Nepal, India: eating with your hands
In India and Nepal, eating with your hands is often the only way possible way eat. In the cafes in the most remote corners of the country, where no tourist has ever set foot, there are no cutlery at all. Although in most catering establishments foreigners will still be offered a fork. But the Hindus themselves will eat with their hand, and always with their right hand, since the left is considered unclean. “This is because it’s customary to wash yourself with your left hand after using the toilet,” explains Indian Archana. “Although lately many Indians have been using cutlery.”
In other countries, some dishes are also eaten with hands. For example, a taco is a Mexican flatbread with a spicy filling. If you decide to eat it with cutlery, you won't offend anyone, but they will look at you with disapproval. And Italian pizza, the food of the poor, was also always eaten with hands.
Ethiopia: feeding another from your hands
Southeast Asia: Leaving scraps
If you don't want food to be fed to you forever, in the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Thailand and other countries South-East Asia about Russian rule The politeness “he ate to the end - showed respect” can be forgotten. An empty plate here symbolizes that the guest has not had enough and is asking for more. The meal usually begins with a full spoon of ordinary rice - the most important, almost sacred product of the region. Transfer the portion onto your plate from the serving dish in parts. Some food (but not rice) and drink are left on your plate at the end of the meal. This is how they pay tribute to the generosity of the owners of the house.
PRC, Mongolia: burp
In China and Mongolia, the degree of satiety is determined by belching. It means that your stomach is full and you liked everything. The guests are well-fed - the hosts are happy. The older generation especially adheres to this rule. Young people strive to absorb Western norms of behavior.
“I would never have known about this if it weren’t for a trip to China and going to a restaurant with a Chinese woman who knows the customs and speaks Russian well. The waitress, serving us food, belched deliciously after her lunch. It was unpleasant, we wanted to go to another place, but our companion explained that such things are not considered bad manners - on the contrary, it means that the person ate a very tasty and satisfying meal, and for the owner this is like a compliment,” writes user angren on the Bolshoi website question".
Georgia: emptying a glass of wine in one gulp
They usually down a glass of vodka in one gulp, but in Russia they drink wine, prolonging the pleasure. But when going to Georgia, be prepared to drink the wine to the bottom right away. True, only after you finish listening to the toast. It is customary for Georgians to drink to the dregs “For God”, “For the Motherland”, “For those who are no longer with us”. In other cases, you can simply take a sip and put the glass on the table, and finish it with the next toast.
“It is not customary to demonstratively refuse to drink. It’s better to just sip the glass a little, and everything will be fine. “- writes user Vytas on the “Vinsky Forum” in the topic, dedicated to culture drinking in Georgia.
The world is an unusual and amazing place that can be explored endlessly. IN different countries cultures can be completely different, so that what is considered acceptable in one place may not be acceptable in another. If you are interested in the peculiarities of etiquette in different countries, you should familiarize yourself with this list. It included the most interesting rules behavior from all corners of our planet. Knowing them will help you avoid any embarrassment while traveling.
Afghanistan: kiss the bread that fell on the floor
In Afghanistan, they treat bread with great respect. If he falls to the floor, he should be picked up immediately and kissed. 
Canada: a little late
In Canada, you shouldn't arrive early. On the contrary, a slight delay is quite acceptable. He is treated much better than arriving much earlier than necessary. 
Chili: Never eat with your hands
In Chile, it is not customary to take even small snacks with your hands. Chileans always use cutlery exclusively; other behavior is considered extremely impolite. 
China: Make a mess and don't be afraid to burp
In China, the host knows you enjoyed your meal if you make a mess on the table. When there is a piece of food left on the plate, it good sign that you are full and satisfied with your meal. It's just impolite to leave rice on the plate. Burping is another way to show that you enjoyed your food and is not considered impolite. 
Egypt: Don't refill your own glass
In Egypt, it is customary to wait for someone else to fill your glass. You should top up your fellow drinker if necessary. It is believed that necessity occurs when the glass is less than half full. If your neighbor forgets to fill your glass, remind him by adding a drink to his glass. It is strictly forbidden to pour it yourself. 
UK: Pass the port to the left
In England, it is customary to pass port wine at the table to the neighbor on the left until the bottle goes around the entire table in a circle. Some believe this tradition has its roots in the navy, but there is no exact explanation. If you haven't been handed a bottle, it is impolite to ask; instead, you should ask your tablemate if he knows the Bishop of Norwich. If he says no, you need to answer that he is good man, but always forgets to hand over the port wine. 
Ethiopia: Eat with your right hand from one plate
Ethiopians believe that eating with cutlery is wasteful, as is using more than one plate for the whole group. It is customary to eat from one dish using right hand. In some regions of the country, a tradition called “gursha” is used, when people feed each other. 
France: use bread as a utensil
The French never eat bread as a snack. They supplement their meals with it and use a piece of bread as a device to collect food from the plate and put it in their mouth. It is even customary to place bread directly on the table, like a fork or knife. 
Georgia: Make a toast and drink the entire contents of the glass
In Georgia people can spend hours exchanging toasts. Everyone at the table makes a toast in a circle, after which it is customary to empty the entire glass in one gulp. When everyone has said a toast, the circle can repeat itself again. During the evening they drink ten to fifteen small glasses of alcohol; as a rule, Georgians drink wine or vodka. Making toasts while drinking beer is considered bad luck. 
It is believed that the Austrians celebrated the defeat of Hungary in 1848 by clinking glasses of beer, which is why some Hungarians still remember it. Don't clink your beer glasses! In other cases, be sure to look at the person who made the toast. 
Italy: Don't put Parmesan on pizza
If your pizza doesn't have Parmesan on it, don't ask for it. In Italy this is considered a culinary crime. 
Inuit tribe: passing gas
You may not plan to visit these tribes, but it is interesting to know that in their culture it is customary to pass gas as a sign of approval after a good meal. 
Japan: Sip the soup to thank the chef
In Japan, it is customary to loudly slurp soup or noodles. It is believed that this is a way to show your gratitude to the cook. 
Korea: Take your first drink
In Korea, you have to accept when you are offered a drink for the first time, but not pour it for yourself first. Pour the rest first, then fill your glass. 
Mexico: Eat tacos with your hands
Using a fork and knife for tacos is considered stupid snobbery in Mexico. It is polite to eat this food with your hands. 
Middle East: Use only your right hand
In Middle Eastern countries, eating with your hands is quite normal, it is only important to use your right hand exclusively. The left one should not be used for eating. 
Portugal: don't add salt
In Portugal, a cook will be offended if he sees you adding salt or pepper to his dish.
Russia: drink vodka without additives and don’t give up
Offering a drink is considered a sign of trust, so it is rude to refuse. In addition, mixing vodka with juice or ice is considered not the best idea. 
South America: Honor the Goddess of Nature
In some regions of Peru or Argentina, it is customary to honor the goddess of nature by pouring a few drops of the drink onto the ground. 
Thailand: Don't eat rice with a fork
In Thailand, food is only served with forks on a spoon. It is not customary to eat rice dishes with a fork. 
Tanzania: hide your soles
In Tanzania they eat while sitting on the floor. The main thing is not to show your feet, it’s impolite.
