The history of etiquette is rooted in antiquity. Since people began to live in numerous groups, they have had the need to regulate their existence by certain norms that allow them to get along with each other with the greatest comfort. A similar principle has been preserved to this day.
Norms of behavior of past centuries
In the modern world, etiquette is nothing more than a set of rules designed to make our life pleasant and safe in communicating with each other, as well as to protect ourselves and others from unintentional claims and insults. Many of the requirements, such as not patting a stranger on the shoulder, are quite obvious and dictated by life itself, but there are also those that are transmitted in the form of teachings and instructions.
The history of the origin of etiquette in its earliest form is known mainly due to the norms of behavior set forth in Egyptian and Roman manuscripts, as well as in Homer's Odyssey. Already in these ancient documents, the principles of the relationship between the sexes, superiors and subordinates were formulated, and the rules for communicating with foreigners were also established. It is known that the violation of these rules entailedthe most severe punishments. In general, the norms of communication between people became more complicated in parallel with how the story itself developed.
Knightly code of honor
Etiquette in the countries of Western Europe found especially fertile ground for itself in the X-XI century, with the spread of the system of chivalry among the privileged strata of society. As a result, the Code of Honor appeared - a set of rules that stipulated to the smallest detail not only the norms of behavior, but also prescribing the color and style of his clothes to the knight, as well as generic heraldic symbols.
During this period, many new very peculiar rituals and customs appeared, such as, for example, indispensable participation in knightly tournaments and performing feats in the name of the lady of the heart, and even in cases where the chosen one did not reciprocate. To fully correspond to his status, the knight had to be brave, noble and generous. However, the last two qualities had to be shown only in relation to people of their own circle. With the common people, the knight was free to do as he pleased, but that's another story.
Etiquette, or rather, strict adherence to its rules, was sometimes able to play a cruel joke on those who blindly obeyed it. There is, for example, a case when, during the battle of Crecy, which became the most important battle of the Hundred Years War, the French knights, having galloped to their king Philip VI with an urgent report, did not dare to violate court etiquette and be the first to turn to him. When the monarch finally allowed them to speak, they bowed for a long time, yielding to each other thishonorable right. As a result, the rules of good manners were observed, but time was lost, and the delay had a detrimental effect on the course of the battle.
Etiquette was further developed in the 17th-18th centuries at the court of the French king Louis XIV. Actually, this word itself stepped into the world from his palace, where during one of the receptions, each person present received a card (in French - etiquete) with a detailed list of rules of conduct that he was obliged to follow in the future.
History of the development of etiquette in Russia
In pre-Petrine Russia, there were also certain norms of etiquette, but they came not from Europe, but from Byzantium, with which there were close ties from time immemorial. However, side by side with them, the wild customs of pagan antiquity coexisted, sometimes confusing foreign ambassadors. The history of etiquette in Russia, which has repeatedly become the subject of the closest study, shows how important it was given to the social status of a person.
It was customary, for example, when visiting an equal, to drive into the yard and stop at the very porch. If the owner of the house was higher in rank, then it was supposed to stop on the street and walk through the yard on foot. The owner was obliged to meet an important guest standing on the porch, an equal - in the hallway, and one whose status is lower - in the upper room.
It was supposed to enter the room without a hat, but not to leave it in the hallway, like a cane or staff, but by all means keep it in your hands. Entering, the guest was baptized three times on the icons, and then, if the host wasabove his rank, gave him a bow to the ground. If they were equal, they shook hands. Relatives hugged.
The history of Russian etiquette during the reign of Peter I is in many ways reminiscent of the path that the countries of Western Europe have traveled, once mired, like Russia, in barbarism and lack of culture. Peter, like many foreign monarchs, forced his subjects to follow the norms of civilization by force. Among high society, he introduced European-style clothes into fashion, allowing only representatives of the lower classes to wear caftans and Armenians. He also forced the boyars, under pain of an impressive fine, to shave their beards.
Besides, thanks to the tsar, the position of Russian women has changed radically. If earlier the wives and daughters of even the highest dignitaries were obliged to stay at home, now they have become constant participants in all holidays and celebrations. The rules of gallant treatment of them appeared and came into use. This largely contributed to the achievement of the European level by the domestic nobility.
Education in vogue
At the end of the 18th century, and especially during the reign of Alexander I, education became fashionable among the aristocracy, as well as awareness in matters of literature and art. Multilingualism has become the norm. Scrupulous imitation of Western European models, in clothing and behavior, acquired the character of a stable style called comme il faut (from the French comme il faut - literally translated “as it should”).
A vivid example of thiscan serve as an image, well known to us from the school bench, Eugene Onegin. Suffice it to recall how much importance this rake attached to his wardrobe, but at the same time he was able to show off in society with an excellent command of the French language and acquaintance with ancient poetry.
According to Pushkin, he could not only dance a mazurka, but also make out a Latin epigraph, talk about Juvenal's poetry and immediately dedicate a brilliant epigram to a lady. The etiquette of that time was a whole science, on the comprehension of which a career and further advancement in society largely depended.
Intelligentsia and new requirements of etiquette
The further history of the development of etiquette in our country marks its rise to a new qualitative level in the middle of the 19th century. This was due to the reforms of Alexander II, which opened the way to education for people of various classes. A new and previously unknown social stratum, called the intelligentsia, has appeared in the country.
It belonged to people who did not have a high position in society, but well-educated and, by virtue of upbringing, learned good manners. However, among them, excessive politeness and extremely scrupulous adherence to the rules of etiquette adopted during the period of previous reigns began to look somewhat archaic.
The etiquette of the 19th century included, among other things, the strict observance of the fashion for jewelry, in which diamonds and gold gave way to antique cameos made of ivory or correspondingtypes of stone. In ladies' society, it has become good form to wear short hairstyles in memory of the heroines of the European revolutions who ended their lives on the scaffold, whose hair was cut short before execution. Curls or a small bunch of loose hair tied with several ribbons also came into fashion, and therefore became one of the requirements of etiquette.
Etiquette in the country of the victorious proletariat
Did the history of the development of etiquette continue in the Soviet period? Yes, of course, but it reflected in its entirety the stormy and dramatic events of the 20th century. The years of the Civil War pushed into the past the very existence of a secular society that once established the rules of etiquette. At the same time, decent manners have completely gone out of use. Emphasized rudeness became a sign of belonging to the proletariat - the hegemonic class. The norms of behavior were guided only by diplomats and individual representatives of the top leadership, however, not always either.
When the wars finally died down, and in the second half of the 20th century a poor, but politically stable life was established in the country, most of the population rushed to universities, which at that time was quite affordable. The result of this craving for knowledge was the general rise in the culture of the population, and with it the increased need to comply with the norms of communication.
The word "etiquette" itself was rarely used, but everyone who wanted to make a favorable impression of himself with others had to follow the rules of decency. Has firmly entered into usea number of set expressions intended for certain occasions. Phrases like “wouldn’t it make it difficult for you”, “be kind” or “do not refuse the courtesy” have become the hallmark of every cultured person.
In those years, the preferred style of men's clothing was a business suit and shirt with a tie, and women's - a formal dress, blouse and skirt below the knee. No sexuality in clothing was allowed. The word "comrade" with the addition of a surname was equally used in addressing both a man and a woman. These rules of "Soviet etiquette" were not taught in school, but were more or less strictly observed by most citizens.
Features of Eastern etiquette
Everything that was discussed above is the European history of etiquette from antiquity to the present day. But the story would be incomplete without mentioning how this area of human culture developed in the countries of the East. It is known that in most of them the rules of behavior and relationships with other members of society were given great importance. This is equally evidenced by today's customs within these countries and their centuries-old history.
China's etiquette is one of the oldest aspects of its culture. Each of the successive ruling dynasties made their own changes to the code of conduct, and established requirements, the implementation of which was strictly controlled. However, despite the differences, they all had common features.
For example, in all ages, the clothes of the Chinese had to correspond to his status and position in the bureaucratic hierarchy. Outfits strictlywere divided into those that the emperor had the right to wear, the rulers of vassal principalities, ministers, aristocrats, and so on. Moreover, a simple peasant did not have the right to wear whatever he wanted, but was obliged to obey the established norms.
Each step of the hierarchical ladder corresponded to a certain headdress, which was not removed even indoors. The Chinese did not cut their hair, but put it in complex hairstyles, which were also an indicator of social status.
Korean code of conduct and history
The etiquette of this country is in many ways similar to that of China, since both states have been linked by close ties for centuries. The commonality of cultures became especially noticeable after the political crisis that broke out in the 20th century, many Chinese immigrated to Korea, bringing with them a significant part of the national culture.
The basis of the rules of conduct is the requirements contained in the two religions practiced in the country - Confucianism and Buddhism. They are taught in educational institutions of all levels, and vigilant control is exercised over their observance.
A characteristic feature of local etiquette is the avoidance of the use of second person pronouns. An educated Korean will never say “he” or “she” about someone, even behind his back, but will politely pronounce the last name with the addition of “mister”, “madam” or “teacher” to it.
Features of the behavior of the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun
The history of the rules of etiquette in Japan is largely connected with the established in it inXII-XIII century Code of Bushido ("Way of the Warrior"). He determined the norms of behavior and morality of the military estate, which was dominant in the state. On its basis, already in the 20th century, a school textbook was compiled, which examines in detail all the rules of behavior of an educated person in society and at home.
Etiquette pays special attention to the art of dialogue, and the style of communication depends entirely on the social status of the interlocutor. A negative reaction can be caused both by an insufficiently polite tone, and by excessive politeness, hiding a desire to evade the conversation. A truly educated Japanese always knows how to find a happy medium.
It is also considered unacceptable to silently listen to the interlocutor, his words must at least occasionally be diluted with your own remarks. Otherwise, it may seem that the conversation is devoid of any interest. In general, the history of speech etiquette in Japan is a special section of cultural studies that requires the most careful study.
Resurgent interest in etiquette
In the post-Soviet period in Russia, along with the revival of the old spiritual values, traditions of behavior in society and interpersonal communication have found new life. The interest that is shown in these issues is evidenced by the increasing number of articles published in the media, the general focus of which can be described as "The History of Etiquette". The presentation of the most successful of them is often quite a bright event in the cultural life of the country.
