What famous rules of etiquette have become traditions. Traditions of etiquette in Russia

Manners and etiquette can be very easily misleading. It's one thing to learn which fork is a salad fork, and quite another thing to know when using a fork might offend the person you're visiting. Different countries have different rules of etiquette. Sometimes what sounds like rudeness in one country may be the most polite and courteous gesture in another.

10. Spitting

It is likely that your parents scolded you as a child if you spit on the sidewalk. In general, people are not very good at spitting. Spitting in someone's direction is regarded as one of the most serious insults you can think of. The police consider such actions as assault. However, members of the Maasai tribe, who live in Central East Africa, see things quite differently. They spit at each other for the same purpose with which we shake hands with each other. Speaking of which, they spit on their own hands before shaking another person's hand, just in case they forget to spit on them later.

Most of us have to endure talking to elderly relatives who salivate when they talk, but the children of the Masai tribe have a much more unpleasant burden. Polite children who greet elderly relatives when they meet may expect a huge spit to fly in their direction. Of course, this is done with the best of intentions, because adults wish young people a long and happy life. Friends and family members sometimes come from distant areas to spit on the newborn for the same reason.

Members of the tribe spit on almost any occasion. They spit on the gift they are about to give. When they are about to move into a new home, the first thing they do is come out of the new home and spit in all four directions. They spit on everything they have never seen in their lives because they believe that in this way they will protect their eyesight.

9. Loud squelching / champing / smacking


In most countries, slurping soup loudly in front of people would either result in a slap in the face from your mother, or in the fact that the person with whom you went to a restaurant would pretend not to know you. However, in many Asian countries such as China and Japan, slurping or slurping while eating soup or noodles is considered high praise. This means that the food is so delicious that the guest could not even wait for it to cool down to eat it. Anyone who has ever burned their mouth with a slice of pizza with lots of different toppings will probably agree that there is some truth to this.

If in Asian countries you eat without loud squelching / champing, then other people may think that you are unhappy with your food. In Japan, the same applies to tea. The loud squelching of the last sip of tea indicates that the guest drank his mug and was satisfied with the tea. This cultural difference has led many Japanese tourists to feel uncomfortable in countries where it is customary to eat without making a sound.

8. Tongue sticking out


In many countries, sticking out the tongue is usually associated with the phrase: "Be-be-be." At the very least, this is seen as teasing or defiance. In some cases, even as an insult. That is why in Italy you can be fined for offensive behavior if you start sticking your tongue out. While sticking out the tongue is not illegal in India, it is seen as a negative gesture associated with incredible, barely contained anger.

However, the world is big and in New Caledonia such a gesture means a wish for reason and energy. In Tibet, sticking out the tongue is considered a respectful welcome gesture. It is believed that this custom originated from the belief that the evil king had a black tongue - voluntarily sticking out your tongue is proof that you are not his reincarnation. This may well be the explanation for why in the Caroline Islands, sticking out the tongue is believed to exorcise demons. Although, to be honest, if the person sticking out his tongue has not brushed his teeth, he will most likely be able to drive anyone away from him.

7. Flowers


often seen as a universal gift. They are given on the first date, at the prom, at weddings, at funerals, to sick people whom you wish recovery, and also as an apology. In fact, it is for this reason that flowers can be seen as a rude gesture if you are not careful. Chrysanthemums, lilies, gladiolus and other white flowers are a symbol of mourning and are used during funerals in many countries. Carnations are a frequent decoration of wreaths in cemeteries in Germany and France. If you give someone a bouquet of white flowers in China or a carnation in France, it can be interpreted as a wish to "kick back."

Yellow flowers are associated with hatred in Russia and Iran, while purple flowers are considered unlucky in Italy and Brazil. Red flowers, especially roses, serve exclusively to express romantic interest in Germany and Italy. In the Czech Republic, flowers are generally seen as romantic gifts, so giving flowers to your teacher or boss can get you in a lot of trouble. Even the number of colors can be rough. In some countries, such as France and Armenia, an even number of flowers is for happy occasions and an odd number for funerals, while in countries such as Thailand and China, odd numbers are considered lucky and even numbers of flowers are generally brought to the funeral.

6. Eating all the food off your plate


Yes, we are all used to the fact that our parents forced us to eat everything from the plate so as not to waste food. However, in some countries, a clean plate can confuse or even offend the host. In the Philippines, North Africa, and also in some regions of China, the host puts food on the guest's plate if he eats everything that was on it. It even leads to a sort of North African game: the host offers more, the guest refuses, the host offers again, the guest refuses again, the host offers one more time, and the guest eventually agrees. It is only when the guest leaves some food on the plate that the host realizes that the guest has eaten. Failure to comply with this rule in some situations may offend the owner. He will take the guest's clean plate as a sign that the guest hasn't eaten enough and the host may consider that he is considered greedy.

5. Dinner leftovers at a restaurant that wrap the package so the customer can take it with them.


A person who, during a date, asks him to wrap the leftovers of dinner in a bag to take them with him, may seem stingy. The waiter may even look askance at such a person, returning with his half-eaten food to the kitchen to wrap it up for him, while the restaurant is packed with hungry customers waiting for him to take their order from them. However, in ancient Rome, such bags with the remnants of dinner were considered the norm.

When someone came over for dinner, he or she would wrap the fruit in pretty napkins and give it to their guests to take with them. It was more of a good manner than something that was done at will, and not wanting to accept a napkin and take food home was regarded as an insult. Moreover, such a guest acquired a reputation for being impolite and ungrateful. Such bags with the remnants of food were in ancient China. The host, who hosted guests, had to give them white boxes in order to take some of the food home.

4. Leaving a tip


To leave or not to leave - this question has been tormenting many for a long time. Usually it's all about whether we care that someone thinks we're stingy. The absence of any tip is often the cause of sidelong and vicious glances. This is also the reason why the first date also becomes the last. Some restaurants have even banned the practice to save their customers the hassle of it at the end of their dinner.

The Japanese, as usual, are ahead of the rest in this matter. They are so unaccustomed to tipping that tipping can lead to confusion. The waiter begins to wonder why she or he was left extra money, and this, in turn, can lead to long and awkward conversations and attempts to return the extra amount. Moreover, tipping can be seen as an insult. Sometimes they are seen as a pity handout. If the client wants to express gratitude, it is best to do this with a small gift. Or, if you still prefer to give money, it is best to put it in an envelope and then give it to the waiter.

3. Eating food with your hands


Eating with your hands may well have been the fastest way to piss off your parents at the dinner table. However, in some countries hosts will be offended to the core if you use cutlery. Eating tacos or burritos with cutlery is considered bad manners. This is not necessarily considered impolite, but it does make the person look overly swaggering and arrogant. Using a knife to cut boiled potatoes elicits exactly the same reaction in Germany. Moreover, using a knife to cut boiled potatoes can offend the cook. He will take this as your dissatisfaction with the fact that the potatoes were not cooked properly or that they were not soft enough.

In many countries, such as India, eating with your hands is the only acceptable way to consume food. Indians consider this way as the only natural way of eating and the least distorted. India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, once jokingly said, "Eating with a fork and spoon is like making love with an interpreter."

2. Punctuality


We have all had elderly relatives or teachers who scolded us for being late and told us that: "You only arrive on time when you arrive ten minutes earlier than the appointed time." While this is good advice for a job interview or date, in some parts of the world, punctuality can make you the most impolite person in the room.

In Tanzania, arriving on time for the evening can be seen as a rude gesture. All polite, well-mannered guests show up 15 to 30 minutes late. This is partly due to the fact that not all citizens have cars or even access to public transport. Insisting that guests arrive on time is seen as tactless and rude. In Mexico, it is considered polite to be moderately late for a meeting or party. If you arrive on time, the host may not yet be ready to receive guests. He may feel like you are rushing him and resent that you took him by surprise.

1. Compliments


When you see someone for the first time in your life, or visit someone's home for the first time, it's not easy to start a conversation. The most common tactic is a compliment that you can build on and build on. “Beautiful shoes”, “Great tie”, “I really like the way you arranged the furniture in the room”, “What a comfortable sofa”. In most countries, such compliments make a person smile, maybe blush a little and say thank you. Thus, the conversation begins naturally.

However, such compliments would be unwise to make in the Middle East, as well as in African countries such as Nigeria and Senegal. In such countries, a compliment of some thing is easily interpreted as a desire to possess this object. Because of their customs of hospitality, the host will feel obligated to give the guest an item that he or she has praised. In addition, according to tradition, when you receive a gift, you must respond with an even more expensive gift. We can only hope that the custom does not extend to complimenting one's spouse or children.

Today it is no longer possible to meet a person who, at the first meeting, will fall on one knee or bow to the ground. Women no longer curtsy, men rarely kiss ladies' hands, no one learns waltz parts or mazurka elements. With what surprise our ancestors would have looked at us! After all, for them such secular etiquette was a common and even obligatory matter, it determined the presence of upbringing, good manners and culture. This article will tell you how and why the norms and rules of behavior in high society changed over time.

What does the concept of "secular etiquette" mean?

This definition incorporates a set of good manners and regulates the lines of socially approved behavior. Knowledge of the norms of modern etiquette can help a person win over the environment, make an impression, secure a reputation as an erudite intellectual and an attentive person. However, achieving such an opinion about yourself is a real science. All the generations that lived before dealt with it, so a certain set of advice has been developed to this day, despite periodic changes in habits, tastes, worldviews. Regardless of time and era, social expectations in relation to the individual remained by and large unchanged - they always included the presence of politeness, a sense of tact and courtesy, the ability to behave at the table, at a party, in a public place, the ability to start and maintain a conversation.

The emergence of etiquette

Traditionally associated in the minds of most of the population with France, England and a number of other European countries, such as Germany. However, they cannot be called the birthplace of secularism! Here for a long time reigned widespread ignorance, rudeness, lack of education, respect for strength and power. Secular etiquette owes its origin to Italy, which alone, thanks to its own economic power, stood out, especially in the Early Middle Ages, against the background of other states. Thus, until the middle of the 16th century, England remained a barbarian country with bloodthirsty laws due to its relentless involvement in new wars. At that time, independent Italian commune cities grew rich, developed art and, of course, in an attempt to decorate and ennoble their own lives, they gradually introduced the norms of etiquette. Germany of this period, like England, was involved in a no less bloody war, in connection with which the nobility remained uncultured for a long time. France similarly recognized only the power of power, war and combat.

This is the beginning of the birth of etiquette, closer to the present with its canons. Of course, one should not think that before the Middle Ages, no norms of etiquette existed in the world. They took shape almost immediately after the appearance of man, which means that, to a greater or lesser extent, they have accompanied people since ancient times. After all, the worship of the elements and local gods can also be considered certain rules of conduct. Ancient Greece, for example, also made a certain contribution to the development of secular norms: the merits of the Greeks include the creation of table and business etiquette.

History of the further development of etiquette

Secular etiquette has come a long way in its development. Gradually, when the military operations in Europe began to acquire a more purposeful and deliberate character, the concept of courtesy appeared. It regulated the rules of conduct for the knights, who began to act as one of the main representatives of an educated society with their own, original, high secular culture. According to the code of honor, the knight had to choose for himself the Beautiful Lady of the Heart, fight and win for her, be able to compose poems and songs in honor of his beloved, not hope for an answer from her, and play chess well. Of course, they provided for the rules and the presence of such virtues and skills characteristic of a knight as the ability to perfectly wield weapons, ride a horse, the ability to show courage, determination and fearlessness at the right time.

The etiquette of that time gave such traditions familiar to mankind today as shaking hands at a meeting or removing a headdress. Both that, and another in the days of chivalry confirmed the lack of desire to kill the interlocutor and was used to express good intentions and good disposition. Of course, today a person who mechanically shakes hands with a friend may not even know how important this gesture was in the world of medieval Europe!

The next stage, which characterizes the history of etiquette, is the period of the Renaissance (Renaissance). The achievements of technological progress, science and art have led to increased contacts between countries, as a result of which the norms of etiquette have taken a huge step forward, have become identical to the education and elegance of a person. Rules such as washing hands before eating, using cutlery and being able to understand them, keeping a consistent style of dress, and not being overly pompous and panache were becoming more common.

In the future, the concept of etiquette continuously changed, being filled with if not new, then qualitatively different content from era to era. Only the best and necessary was selected, that which could really show a person as an independent unit and characterize him in terms of knowledge of the rules of culture. Today, this process is still not completed - the basics of etiquette are not static, they are in continuous change and development. With the advent of new spheres, new rules of behavior also appear.

What happened to etiquette in Russia?

The initial existence of secular etiquette on the territory of modern Russia can be compared with the situation that takes place in the emerging states of medieval Europe. There were no clearly formulated norms and rules as such until the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th century, that is, until the educator and reformer Peter I ascended the throne. Before him, Domostroy was the universal reference book for any Russian person, in which the fundamental foundations of family life and housekeeping were spelled out, according to which a man was the undivided head of the house, could beat his wife, and also independently established what customs and traditions they would live. Peter saw in this a relic of the past, unsuitable for a progressive state, and therefore he borrowed many books from Europeans that teach secular etiquette.

Modern and those that are familiar to man from history

Today, in addition to the courtly, outdated etiquette, humanity is also familiar with the following types of it:

• Courtier - culture and etiquette, which were necessary for observance at the court of monarchs. These are strictly regulated and binding norms. For non-observance of them (for example, failure to bow before the royal figure), it was quite possible to go to the chopping block. This type of etiquette is used today in states with a monarchical form of government.
• Diplomatic - these are the rules of secular etiquette that regulate the behavior of diplomats and the process of their interaction with each other during a meeting, at negotiations, at a reception, etc. This type of etiquette also developed a long time ago, but continues to exist to this day.
• Military etiquette is regulated by the presence of a certain charter and traditions developed over time that determine the behavior of all members involved within the military system. This includes manners and norms of behavior both in official and non-official spheres of activity, in interpersonal contacts, when making greetings and appeals that have a ritual orientation and are not used in other areas of life.
• Professional - a type of etiquette that has gained the most development during the 20th and 21st centuries due to the active increase in the number of professions associated with the beginning of the era of scientific and technological progress. The most diverse segments of the population from all continents began to become more and more actively involved in professional activities, which as a result led to a significant expansion of the functionality of this type of etiquette.
• It neighbors with the professional and which regulates the norms of communication of officials with each other in the performance of their direct official duties.
• General civil (also called behavioral or directly secular) - is the broadest concept of etiquette, because it combines a general set of norms, rules, conventions and traditions that people use when communicating with each other. General civil etiquette, therefore, is the most universal of all other types.
• Speech is a type of etiquette that establishes speech cultural norms that involve knowledge of the stylistic and grammatical foundations of the language, as well as the ability to simply, clearly and intelligibly express one's thoughts and convey them to others. This type is a mandatory component that is included in all of the above types of etiquette, since it is the ability to write correctly and speak well that are the basic foundations of any etiquette in general.

Now it's time to consider the difference between the concepts of "ethics and etiquette". They can be easily confused, while each of them has a certain, different meaning from the other word.

Ethics and etiquette: differences and similarities

If what constitutes etiquette has already been clarified above, it's time to define what the term "ethics" carries in itself. This concept is a study of morality and morality from the point of view of philosophy, that is, it has, apparently, a very distant relation to the rules of social behavior. The differences between these concepts can be clearly demonstrated with specific examples, for example:

• "Love for the Lord and neighbor" is a sentence that reveals the principle of ethics.
• "Do not kill, do not steal, do not covet" is a phrase that already defines the principle of etiquette (from the point of view of Christian morality).

Both categories are designed to guide a person on the true path, teach him to do good deeds, instill a bright, kind view of the world. This is the main similarity between the terms "ethics" and "etiquette". The first determines what is to be achieved, and the second determines by what means and how this can be achieved.

Secular etiquette today: how to behave?

Now it's time to understand in more detail what etiquette means, that is, go directly to a practical guide to action.

Modern secular etiquette provides:

• Forms of greeting and address to another;
• Rules of conduct while eating;
• Norms of behavior in certain circles of society;
• which also represent a separate art with its own subtleties and nuances (small talk);
• Courtesy in addressing women;
• Respect and deference to elders in age and position.

How can one achieve in order to leave an exceptionally positive impression in society, to establish oneself as an educated and cultured person?

Etiquette Tools

The rules of secular behavior, which are made up of the unity of the aesthetic (external) and moral and ethical (internal) components, offer each person an arsenal of certain auxiliary tools to achieve the goal - to achieve recognition in society. These include:

Being engaged in education, cultivating these qualities in yourself, you can be sure: sooner or later, recognition in society will still come.

Can etiquette be learned?

Of course! Currently, anyone who wants to improve their own skills in the ability to deal with people around them can be offered a choice of any master class in secular etiquette. Connoisseurs teach their wards the ability to properly behave at the table, understand the variety of cutlery, competently conduct discussions on deep, philosophical topics with an opponent so as not to offend anyone, organize and conduct receptions, go to public places and much more. Of course, an integral part of the course is the "small conversation" section, which will help people who are unsure of their own abilities to start speaking beautifully, elegantly and without unnecessary frills.

Summarizing

So, now it becomes clear that there is nothing terrible in secular etiquette. In fact, every person knows the basics of etiquette to one degree or another, you just need to decide for yourself whether more development of existing skills is required or what is already enough. After that, you need to either pull yourself together and comprehend the basics of secularism without leaving your home, or sign up for a special course, which today are presented in a huge variety. The main thing is motivation, and there it’s not far from high society!

ETIQUETTE TRADITIONAL - a system of historically determined norms and standards of behavior characteristic of a particular society. An important component of ethnic culture associated with morality. norms and values; manifests itself in empirically observed forms of behavior. In the variety of etiquette norms, the main ones are: E.t. greetings and farewells; ; intra-family and family-kinship relations; table and guest etiquette. As society is modernized, etiquette norms are being transformed towards their simplification.

This. Chuvash. contains both East and Russian. and Western Europe. elements. Archaic features of the East. etiquette saved in , which are regulated, among others, by the norms related to greeting and farewell, blessing, gratitude, etc., incl. the requirement to use when referring to relatives (both one's own and spouse's relatives) not by names, but by terms of kinship and property. Traditional etiquette norms of family and relatives. relations are also an integral part of the socionormative. ethnic culture. In general, E.t. Chuvash. was a manifestation of the norms of the patriarchal. societies with male priority. beginning, requiring submission to the authority of the head of the family (father), at the same time, honoring the mother, respect for the elders, and care for the younger ones. He assumed a number of prohibitions, for example, for women to show themselves with their heads uncovered and in unbelted clothes in front of their husband's relatives, etc., for young family members not to interfere in the conversation of adults without the permission of their father, etc. Customs of table and guest E.t. were closely associated with holidays and rituals; among the Chuvash, for example, they are clearly reflected in the rite . When going to a feast, the Chuvash prepared gifts (as a rule, beer, pies, roast goose, nuts for children, etc.). The host met the guests at the gate, himself or the eldest son led the horse into the yard. At the meeting, it was customary to conduct a dialogue, in which they tried to elevate the interlocutor, without going beyond the framework of self-respect. At the feast, they adhered to a strict order of seating at the table: the head of the clan sat on the side of the hut in the front corner, the men were located to the right of him (the closest or oldest - closer to the owner, the further the degree of kinship and the younger the guest - the closer to the door). To the left of the head, his wife and women were seated, following the same order as for men. The place at the opposite end of the table from the head of the family was occupied by the head of the rite (kĕrekeçĕ). During the treat, the elders were given special respect. Chuvash according to the rules. This. during the celebrations. cases (when pronouncing prayers, wishes, etc.) all guests got up on their feet; the eldest member of the family recited blessings by placing his folded hands on the heads of kneeling sons and daughters-in-law. The bow to the belt was the same sign of respect and respect. After the blessing, the audience sang a ritual song in honor of the owners of the house. At a party, despite the plentiful table and the hospitality of the hosts, it was customary not to gorge.

Lit .: Zolotnitsky N.I. The root Chuvash-Russian dictionary, compared with the languages ​​and dialects of different peoples of the Turkic, Finnish and other tribes. Kazan, 1875; Kuznetsov A.V. Traditional table etiquette of the Chuvash people. Ch., 2003.

One of the most common gestures is this one.

If in the USA it means “everything is OK”, then in Japan it is money, in France it is zero, and in Portugal it is a completely indecent gesture.

Lightly tapping your nose with your finger means that most likely you are not telling the truth. In England, this will be regarded as a sign that someone is telling you something in secret, in Holland they will indicate that someone is drunk.

An Englishman and a Spaniard, slapping his forehead, will thus express extreme admiration for himself, and a German - extreme indignation at someone.

Trying to show that someone is talking nonsense, we twist a finger at the temple.

The Dutchman, in this way, will report that he heard an incredibly witty phrase. Even laughter is interpreted differently. If we have a smile - it's fun, then in Africa - extreme amazement. There are generally global differences in etiquette between southern and northern countries. The farther from the equator, the more pedantic and punctual people are. In the south, a delay of 15-20 minutes is in the order of things. In addition, in northern countries, all kinds of touching is unacceptable, especially between members of opposite sexes. Exceptions are handshakes. Southerners, on the contrary, will hug, kiss, pat on the back of each guest. But, again, they will be careful with the opposite sex. Going to other countries, it would be nice to find out about the daily routine that is acceptable there. For example, in southern countries there are very long dinners. They last 2-3 hours.

In Italy, it is not customary to carry suitcases on your own. There are specially trained people for this. Moreover, in Italy they don’t even call a taxi on their own. You need to go to any cafe and ask the owner to do it for you. This is done for free or at a nominal cost.

The country where etiquette is most scrupulous is England. The table rules are especially respected there. The ability to properly handle forks and knives is a minimum that will not allow you to appear as a rude ignoramus in the eyes of the British.

In England, it is not customary to give compliments, give gifts, talk about work after the working day is over.

In France, table etiquette matters. Lunch lasts 2-3 hours. At the same time, you cannot leave the table under any circumstances. Moreover, all participants in the dinner should participate in the conversation. Never break into small groups when you are having a conversation.

In addition, in France it is customary to be late for lunch by 15 minutes.

Nationalism is highly developed there. The French are very fond of their language, their culture. It would be nice to know a few words in French and have an idea about the culture of France.

A completely separate story is the etiquette of Muslim countries. Going there, first of all, pay attention to your clothes. It is desirable that the woman's arms, legs and shoulders be covered. A woman in our countries goes forward through the door, in Muslim countries a man goes forward, and after that all women.

You can not contact a woman, you should not clarify any questions with her. All issues in Muslim countries are decided only by men.

In Muslim countries, it is also not customary to sit cross-legged. You will offend the feelings of others if you show them the soles of your shoes or your bare feet. There are many subtleties in behavior in Eastern countries. Egypt has long become almost native. India and Thailand every year attract more and more new fans of their exotic.

In India, it is not customary to touch other people. As a greeting - not a handshake, but two palms folded side by side, and a slight bow.

In India, they eat with their hands, and to show the owner that you are full, it is better to leave some food on the plate.

In addition, when going to India, you need to remember that it is better to have cheap sandals with you, because in almost all temples and museums you will have to take off your shoes and leave your shoes at the entrance. In order not to be upset later on not seeing your expensive sandals, it is better not to take very expensive shoes.

And know that Indian men are very fond of coming to the beach on weekends and looking at naked women. If suddenly you are faced with this, it is better not to argue, not to swear. If this bothers you, you can just cover yourself with a bathrobe.

In Thailand, it is not customary to step on the threshold. Local residents believe that good spirits live in it. Also in Thailand you can not sunbathe topless and get involved in nudism, you can not throw chewing gum on the sidewalk. For this you face a fine of 600 dollars. And if you do not have such money, then you can be put in jail.

In Thailand, in no case can not talk about the heat. This is considered the height of indecency. Muslim non-verbal etiquette

In Turkey, it is customary to invite people to the bathhouse as a sign of respect. Turks love to give and receive gifts. In Turkey, coffee will be poured to you almost endlessly. It is very strong, without sugar, usually with cardamom. In order to refuse, you need to move the cup from side to side or even turn it upside down. Going on a trip, it will not be superfluous to take souvenirs with you. But do not be intrusive in trying to hand them over to your new acquaintances.

There are a lot of cultures. Therefore, when going abroad, do not be lazy, get on the Internet and find out a little more about the country where you are going.

Etiquette in Russia, if it has national characteristics, is too weak, most historians testify to their absence. At first, Peter I did everything to “uproot” the traditions of the boyars, considering them obsolete and reeking of mothballs. Then the revolutionaries made a lot of efforts to destroy the traditions of the nobility as a relic of the past.

Etiquette in the Russian Empire and in the life of modern society

If in the countries of Europe the rules and norms of behavior developed in a natural way - from the depths of centuries, then on the land of our ancestors - exclusively by revolutionary attacks.

Peter I can be considered the founder of the history of Russian etiquette with a big stretch, who at the beginning of the 18th century decided to eradicate the rules of the “mossy” boyar housing construction existing in Russia and introduce new standards of behavior adopted in Europe, this was a completely tangible revolutionary (and monstrous for most) coup in the world order. But it is quite obvious that it is impossible to get rid of centuries-old traditions overnight, therefore the concepts of house building in the form of fragments, nuances and ideas of “right - wrong” remained in society under Peter the Great, and some have survived to this day.

For the next 200 years, the traditions and norms of etiquette in the Russian Empire had the opportunity to develop evolutionarily - they crystallized gradually and logically, drawing closer and closer to common European standards. What is the reason for the general course of development of Russia as a European country, and the countless marriages of reigning persons with princes and princesses of European countries, who brought to the culture and traditions of the behavior of the Russian aristocracy what they themselves were taught.

However, at the beginning of the 20th century, a new revolutionary upheaval took place - the Bolshevik one. And again - an attempt to eradicate the old features of Russian etiquette and introduce new ones, invented almost on the go! So our society has lost its basic moral and ethical guidelines. The ideas of “what is good, what is bad” during the period of the revolution and the Civil War mixed up and were sometimes diametrically opposed for different social strata.

And now, for almost 100 years, gentlemen, citizens and comrades have coexisted in Russia - communities in which the rules of decency are very different. Etiquette in the life of modern Russian society is distinguished by a complex mix: the base contains the remnants of European traditions, but for the majority of fellow citizens, layers of the Soviet period have become familiar - sometimes ridiculous and stupid. And what is accepted by the majority is usually considered the norm.

In fact, etiquette is the quintessence of the psychology of communication, collected by generations as the most effective system of interaction between people. This system changes over time and due to new circumstances - technological progress, emancipation, globalization, democratization, etc.

Rules of social etiquette in Russia

If we turn to the "official" formulation of the concept of "etiquette" - the rules and norms of behavior adopted in any society - then we can say unequivocally: in Russia it has European traditions in its foundation. The general rules of etiquette in Russia are as follows:

• We wear a European costume, not kaftans with kokoshnik caps.
• We greet each other with a handshake, and do not rub our noses when we meet, like the Eskimos.
• Social etiquette in Russia dictates that any contact begins with an exchange of views - otherwise communication will not come out pleasant, while in Arab countries it is considered indecent to look intently and directly into the eyes of the interlocutor.
• In our country, a well-mannered man gets up when a woman enters the room and helps her, for example, take off her outer clothing or get into a comfortable chair, and in the East all this will seem strange.
• In Russia, a leisurely conversation with an average level of emotions is considered “normal”, which, however, may seem overly expressive to the Bedouins of the desert and absolutely inexpressive to the inhabitants of South American countries.
• We usually eat while sitting on a chair and at a high table, we use appliances adopted in European civilization, and only as an exotic thing can we drink a bowl of tea while sitting on a carpet, or pick up chopsticks in a Chinese restaurant.

But here's what's interesting: because of the last revolutionary breakdown of traditions - the abolition of many Bolshevik rules - the society felt a void, which is gradually being filled. Often - the ideas of poor people about a rich life!

And today, the main feature of etiquette in Russia is that in a certain sense it is a "mutant-shifter" outside of logic and psychological content, it will take effort and time to put it on its feet.

It is for this reason that we - it seems, it seems, the inhabitants of a country with a European way of life - for confident behavior and the manifestation of good breeding, it is absolutely necessary to learn the norms and rules of common European etiquette. Or, at least, “compare watches” – your ideas and skills with current European traditions.

The material was prepared by the editors of the site site

We will be very grateful if you leave your rating