Strange rules of etiquette that are hopelessly outdated. The strangest rules of etiquette

In which countries is champing encouraged, how to show the Mongol that you are full, and what to do if you are spit in the back.

PRC, Japan: slurp

Try to eat soup or noodles in a restaurant, sipping, and immediately notice how other visitors start looking at you askance. And a cook 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 do not have the strength to wait until it cools down. A quiet meal means that you are not satisfied.

“Despite the fact that there is a cult of food here, despite the fact that Chinese cuisine incredibly diverse and, I would even say, incomprehensible, there is no culture of food here. Perhaps, in some individual metropolitan restaurants, its rudiments can still be found. But in general, it doesn't. The Chinese are very pragmatic about food. For them, this is by no means a process, but only a result. Food is consumed rapidly, recklessly, with concentration, with loud champing, burping and spitting bones on the floor or directly on the tablecloth. At the same time, all those present are talking loudly, shouting over each other, exposing bad teeth and half-chewed food, ”writes Grigory Potemkin, who has been living 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 at the oncoming one is valid for at least 40 of them. So, in the Akamba tribe, they spit on the oncoming one as a sign of deep respect. Masai, before shaking hands, moisten them with saliva. Children who greet elders may get a ball of saliva in the back. You can’t be offended - this is how they wish a child a long life. For the same reason, it is customary in the tribe to spit on the newborn. However, the Maasai generally love to spit on everything and everyone: a gift that they want to give, a new home in which they are going to live. it beautiful amulet. According to a resident of Kenya with the nickname kawira, there are many other tribes (there are 42 in Kenya alone) whose representatives spit. So, members of the Ameru tribe thus bless each other. However, only seniors are allowed to do this.

Germany: blow your nose heartily

In Germany, you should not be surprised if a decently dressed German at the next table in a restaurant finishes his dish, puts his fork and knife on a plate, after which he takes out a handkerchief from his pocket and ... blows his nose loudly. “What is natural is not ugly,” the German believes, and blows his nose wherever circumstances require. “I was very surprised to hear at a lecture how someone, sorry, blows his nose loudly. it's the same at their universities.Google showed that before me, many people were interested in this issue.<...>They might be chewing on an apple under your ear for the entire lecture or blowing their nose at the table. I'm still getting used to these things. Cultural Features”, - writes Sabina Serikova, who has been living in Germany for more than a year and studying cognitive science.

PRC, Tibet: show language

In the remote villages of Tibet, the custom, when greeting each other, is still preserved, sticking out the tongue - as a sign of openness of one's intentions. According to one version, a passer-by thus shows that he is not a reincarnated demon.

Another theory is related to the last king of Tibet named Langdarma. He went down in history as a persecutor of Buddhism, a defiler of shrines and a murderer of monks. He was so evil that even his tongue was black. And since reincarnation is quite real for Buddhists, they do not discount the possibility of a monster reappearing.

Truth, recent times Tibetans show their tongue at a meeting less and less. This is evidenced by the responses of travelers. "I've met a lot of Tibetans, but I rarely see them stick out their tongues when they meet," user Klein notes on the Buddhism forum Rattle that Cage.

Nepal, India: eating with hands

In India and Nepal, eating with your hands is often the only possible way eat. In the cafes of the most remote corners of the country, where no tourist has 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 hands, and always with the right, since the left is considered unclean. “This is because it is customary to wash with the left after using the toilet,” explains the Indian Archana. “Although lately, many Indians use cutlery.”

In other countries, some dishes are also eaten with the hands. For example, tacos are a Mexican flatbread with a spicy filling. If you decide to eat it with cutlery, do not offend anyone, but they will look at you with disapproval. And Italian pizza, the food of the poor, in fact, was also always eaten with their hands.

Ethiopia: hand-feeding

Southeast Asia: leave leftovers

If you don't want to be fed endlessly, in the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Thailand and other countries South-East Asia about Russian rule politeness "ate to the end - showed respect" can be forgotten. empty plate here is a symbol that the guest is not full and asks for more. The meal usually starts with a full spoon. ordinary rice- the most important, almost sacred product of the region. Portion on your plate from the serving dish is shifted in parts. Some of the food (but not rice) and drink are left at the end of the meal in your plate. So 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 full - the hosts are happy. This rule is especially followed older generation. The young tend to absorb Western norms of behavior.

“I would never have known about this if it had not been for a trip to China and a trip to a restaurant with a Chinese woman who knows the customs and speaks good Russian. The waitress, serving us food, relish burped after her dinner. It was unpleasant, they 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 very tasty and satisfying, and for the owner this is like a compliment, ”writes user angren on the Big question".

Georgia: empty a glass of wine in one gulp

In one gulp, they usually empty a glass of vodka, and in Russia they drink wine, stretching out the pleasure. But, going to Georgia, be prepared to drink wine to the bottom right away. True, only after you finish listening to the toast. It is customary for Georgians to drink to the bottom “For God”, “For the Motherland”, “For those who are no longer with us”. In other cases, you can just sip and put the glass on the table, and finish it with the next toast.

“Defiantly refusing to drink is not accepted. Better just sip a little glass, and everything will be fine. ”, - writes the user Vytas on the “Vinsky Forum” in the topic, devoted to culture drinking in Georgia.

The world is an unusual and amazing place that can be explored endlessly. AT different countries the culture 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 over the world. Knowing them, you can avoid embarrassment while traveling.

Afghanistan: Kiss the bread that fell on the floor

In Afghanistan, bread is very respectful. If he falls to the floor, he should be immediately picked up and kissed.

Canada: be a little late

In Canada, don't arrive early. On the contrary, a slight delay is quite acceptable. He is treated much better than arriving much earlier than necessary.

Chile: never eat with your hands

In Chile, it is not customary to take even small snacks with your hands. Chileans always use appliances exclusively, other behavior is considered extremely impolite.

China: Make a mess and don't be afraid to burp

In China, the host understands that you enjoyed your meal if you made a mess on the table. When a piece of food is left on the plate, it is good sign that you ate and were satisfied with the meal. It's impolite to just leave rice on the plate. Burping is another way to show that you enjoyed the food, it 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 must refill your tablemate's drink if necessary. It is believed that the need comes when the glass is less than half full. If your neighbor forgets to refill your glass, remind him of this by adding a drink to his glass. It is strictly forbidden to pour yourself.

United Kingdom: 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 that this tradition has its roots in the Navy, but there is no exact explanation. If you have not been given a bottle, it is impolite to ask about it, instead you need to ask your table neighbor if he knows the bishop from Norwich. If he says no, you need to answer that he - good man, but always forgets to pass the port.

Ethiopia: Eat with your right hand from the same plate

Ethiopians believe that eating with utensils is wasteful, as is using more than one plate for the whole group. It is customary to eat from one dish using the right hand. In some regions of the country, a tradition called "gursha" is used, when people feed each other.

France: use bread as a tool

The French never eat bread as a snack. They complement their meals and use a piece of bread as a device to collect food from a plate and put it in their mouths. It is even customary to put bread directly on the table, like a fork or knife.

Georgia: say a toast and drink the whole glass

In Georgia, they can exchange toasts for hours. Everyone around the table says toasts 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 again. During the evening they drink ten to fifteen small glasses of alcohol, as a rule, Georgians drink wine or vodka. It is considered bad luck to toast while drinking beer.

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 this. Don't clink beer glasses! In other cases, be sure to look at the one who said the toast.

Italy: Don't Sprinkle Parmesan on Pizza

If your pizza doesn't have parmesan, don't ask for it. In Italy, this is considered a culinary crime.

Inuit Tribe: Passing Gas

You may not be planning to visit these tribes, but it is interesting to know that it is customary in their culture to pass gases as a sign of approval after a good meal.

Japan: Sip Soup to Thank the Chef

In Japan, it is customary to slurp soup or noodles loudly. It is believed that this is a way to show your gratitude to the chef.

Korea: take the first drink

In Korea, you must agree when you are offered a drink for the first time, but do not pour yourself first. First pour the others, and then fill your glass.

Mexico: Eat tacos with your hands

Using a fork and knife for tacos is considered silly snobbery in Mexico. This food is politely eaten with your hands.

Middle East: use only your right hand

In Middle Eastern countries, it is quite normal to eat with your hands, it is only important to use only the right one. The left should not be used for eating.

Portugal: don't salt

In Portugal, a cook will be offended if he sees you adding salt or pepper to a dish he has prepared.

Russia: drink vodka without additives and don't refuse

The offer of a drink is considered a sign of trust, so it is impolite to refuse. In addition, mixing vodka with juice or ice is not considered a good idea.

South America: Respect 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 on the ground.

Thailand: don't eat rice with a fork

In Thailand, food is only put on a spoon with forks. Rice dishes are not accepted with a fork.

Tanzania: hide your soles

In Tanzania, they eat sitting on the floor. The main thing is not to show your feet, it's impolite.

To follow them is to look in the eyes of others at best an eccentric, at worst - ignorant

A man who eats lying down, blows his nose on the tablecloth and forces latecomers to drink the penalty at all costs will be considered ill-mannered today. But there were times when this was considered in the order of things.

Lose feelings at the slightest excitement

“Here she turned deathly pale and fell unconscious” - how many similar phrases are found in European and Russian literature of past centuries! And it would be nice if we were talking about the times when young ladies wore tightly laced corsets, which can really lead to hypoxia and loss of consciousness. However, corsets either came into fashion or went out of it, and women's fainting spells did not lose popularity. Beauties fell unconscious in any unpleasant or incomprehensible situation - this allowed them to look fragile and helpless. If, having received unwanted news or being in a delicate position, the lady did not sink, rolling her eyes, into the nearest easy chair, she could be considered callous, soulless and poorly educated.

Eat food lying on your left side and throw leftovers on the floor

Why on the left? Yes, so that the right hand is free - otherwise how to take food. In addition, the stomach is on the left. This is exactly how the ancient Greeks reasoned, laying down before the feast on special seats-beds - apoclintra, equipped in such a way that the feasting could remain motionless. Apoclintra shifted with the letter P; slaves approached from the free side with small tables laden with refreshments. The noble Greeks ate with their hands, and threw the leftovers on the ground - then the slaves would clean up.

The last tradition existed for a long time. For example, medieval knights and nobility successfully sent gnawed bones and other scraps under the tables. What the dogs didn't eat was then taken away by the servants.

Wipe your hands on the tablecloth

In fact, the tablecloth was originally invented just for this purpose - and was thought of as something like a large napkin. Not about clothes, in fact, to wipe your hands with which you just held a piece of lamb oozing fat! For this there is a tablecloth. By the way, blowing your nose into it is also more convenient than, say, into the hem of a dress. Both courageous medieval knights and their lovely ladies- they all wiped their hands on the tablecloth, because that was the custom.

closer to XIII century beautiful embroidered napkins began to be laid out on the tables. But they lay for beauty - or were used to wrap food in them and take them home. This was also considered good manners. By the way, in the Middle Ages, many guests came with their own spoons, which were real works of art. Or they did without them - for example, soups and sauces were sipped directly from the dishes.

Forcing you to drink a penal

And this rule has not completely outlived itself yet - but, fortunately, decent people try not to follow it. In Russia, this custom was introduced into use under an enlightened monarch PetreI. Yes, introducing the rules of etiquette at his court, the tsar initially pursued good goals - so that the gentlemen of the boyars would not publicly spit and delve into their noses - however, over time, he became somewhat carried away. So, latecomers to the ball assembly - including ladies - were supposed to drink the "Big Eagle": a goblet with a capacity of one and a half liters, filled with strong wine or vodka. Once the tsar did not want to release the pregnant noblewoman from this rule. Olsufiev despite her pleas. A few hours later, she gave birth to a dead baby.

Challenge the offender to a duel

How to respond to someone who offended your honor if you are, say, a Russian nobleman early XIX century? Of course, challenge the scoundrel to a duel! This, however, applies only to scoundrels equal to you in position. It is not a sin to endure an insult from the king, you can complain about a peasant or a merchant to the police, and you should insult your nobleman’s brother and entrust it to your seconds.

If you yourself have been challenged to a duel, do not hesitate to refuse! Better to be shot than to be dishonored!

The man follows the left side of the lady

Today, this rule of etiquette seems like nonsense. But this is not nonsense - after all, the man himself has a sword on his left side! If a woman goes to the left, she will be terribly uncomfortable. More precisely, it would be - in time immemorial.

Later, when men stopped carrying edged weapons on their left side, another rule appeared: a representative of the stronger sex while walking with a lady should walk ... from the side of the roadway. And then suddenly a lady will be splashed with mud by a passing carriage or, worse, a violent horse will hurt her.

In fact, the echoes of the “rule of the sword” are still alive today - during official receptions arranged by high-ranking officials, women walk exclusively to the right of men. For the military, however, an exception is made - they can go to the right of the woman in order to be able to give right hand honour.

Most of us would never consider forgetting the birthday of our loved ones, or we don't see anything illegal in flushing the toilet at night, but in some parts of the world such situations are considered illegal. The article presents the most bizarre laws and customs of different countries of the world. It's always good to be aware of all the "strangeness" of a foreign country, when customs is in front of you and there is no way back.

It is forbidden to change light bulbs - Victoria, Australia

It is illegal in this state if a common person change the light bulb. Anyone caught doing this will be fined $10. In Victoria, only electricians are allowed to change burnt out light bulbs. Probably in this place electricians do not complain about the size wages and lack of work.

Elderly Law - China

In 2013, China adopted new law, according to which all adult children should regularly visit their elderly parents, taking care of their spiritual needs. Those who fail to do so may end up in court and proceedings may end in either detention or fines.

Royal Pets - UK

The law was approved while George I was king. The law has not been abolished so far, and it states that the pet of any member of the royal family is prohibited from mating with pets of other members of the royal family without their permission.

You can't frown - Milan, Italy

The Italian government has decreed that you should always smile in the capital of Italy, and this is an official law. The exception is a visit to a hospital or a funeral. Apparently, if you frown, you can easily get a ticket from the police.

Keep Silence - Switzerland

If you live in an apartment building in Switzerland, there are many things that are illegal to do in Switzerland. certain time days, so as not to disturb the peace of their neighbors. So, for example, after 22:00 it is forbidden to flush the toilet, fill the bath and even urinate while standing.

Intermediate Wedding - Montana, America

Those people who serve in the military and cannot attend their own marriage ceremony in person can delegate authority to their friend or relative to replace him. Such a wedding is considered absolutely legal, despite the fact that one of the spouses was not present. In some cases, both the groom and the bride may be absent. Friends-mediators can replace any of the spouses at the wedding.

Autobahn - Germany

In some areas of the German autobahns, a speed limit of 130 km / h is set, but on most roads there is no such speed limit, so drivers are prohibited from getting out of the car and walking on the autobahn.

Duty of Husband - Samoa

In Samoa, a husband is not allowed to forget his wife's birthday. Although, being married, you hope that the husband really knows and never forgets about his wife's birthday. And I really want to hope that the spouse remembers the date of the wedding.

You can't spoil the air - Florida, America

The need to release gases is natural, especially if you have consumed foods that promote gas formation in the body the day before. However, in Florida, this is absolutely impossible to do after 18:00. And if a person is caught in this obscene activity, then, in addition to the fact that his behavior will cause general discontent, he can also be arrested. You should carefully monitor what you eat during the day.

Talent and more talent - Canada

The Canadian Broadcasting Commission has ruled that by law, at least one in five songs aired on Canadian radio must be performed by a Canadian singer (or singer). In fairness, it should be noted that not only Justin Bieber is from Canada, whose songs appear on the air with an enviable frequency, but Celine Dion was born in this country, as well as Drake and Michael Bublé and more great amount great and talented singers.

From childhood, each of us was taught by our parents to good manners. They explained how to behave at the table, why it is imperative to eat everything that was put on your plate, why it is indecent to show your tongue or spit at someone, and much more. But all these foolish and good habits they can even play an evil or, on the contrary, unexpectedly pleasant joke with you on a trip around the world. We have selected the strangest rules of etiquette in the world. They may seem ridiculous to you, but they really are.

spitting

It's indecent to spit on the sidewalk. Everyone knows this, but they keep doing it. Spitting at a person is even more indecent, and in this everyone shows more restraint. 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 saliva. In general, spitting in the direction of a person at all times was considered one of the heaviest insults that you can think of. Because of this, true gentlemen shot and fought with swords. But just not in African tribe Masai. They spit in another - it's like shaking hands with us. But they also shake hands with each other, however, after spitting on them. And then suddenly they forget to pour a supply of saliva on the interlocutor when they meet. It is hard for newborns, whom their relatives spit from head to toe. They say that for the sake of one such spit, representatives of the family can gather from all over the country.

tongue sticking out

For us, to show the tongue to a person, and even make some sinister face at the same time, is a trifling matter. And no one is trying to see some kind of malicious intent in this. But in India, this gesture is associated with great human anger, and in Italy, you can even be taken to the police for this. Yes, don't be surprised. Showing your tongue in the country of pizza and pasta is considered behavior that offends the honor and dignity of others. But in Tibet, where all people are enlightened and gentle, your sticking out tongue can serve as a respectful greeting.

Flowers

Giving flowers has always been considered an elegant (albeit banal) gesture on the part of a man. In our country, you are unlikely to fool yourself too much in the selection beautiful bouquet. But if you are abroad, you will have to think a little. So, 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, a slightly different feature. Flowers there have exclusively romantic character. Therefore, you should not give them to your teacher or boss: your spiritual impulse is unlikely to be interpreted correctly.

Eat all the food on the plate

Of course, you remember how your mother did not let you go from 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 the owner of the house, as it will mean that you have not eaten enough. Of course, this is nothing of the sort, but then they will definitely put you in more, and if you eat everything clean again, you may be called a glutton. Therefore, in order not to get into an awkward situation, leave a little food on your plate. Even the smallest piece left by you will mean that you were satisfied.

champing

Continuing the dining theme. Again, from childhood, we all remember the constant reminder from our parents: do not slurp. Yes, from the outside, a chomping person does not look very attractive, sometimes even disgusting. But not in China or Japan. There, this gesture when eating soup or noodles is required, as it will be the best praise for the cook. But if you don’t, then everyone may think that you were dissatisfied or just not very polite.

compliments

Talk good words not only for you, but also for others. We love not only to give compliments, but also to receive them. In the whole world, it would be a good gesture to appreciate your girlfriend's dress or the furniture in the room, but not in the Middle East. Your compliment can put the owner of the house in an awkward position, since the compliment is considered there as a hint that you want to get the thing that you spoke well about, and your friend cannot refuse you. But not only the owner will have a hard time, but you yourself. After all, a gift must be answered with a more expensive gift. Therefore, you need to be careful with compliments.

being late

And we were all hammered into the head that you can’t make another person wait for you. Of course, being late for an interview or a romantic meeting does not honor you (on the contrary, it aggravates your situation), and in the eyes of a girl or an employer, you immediately become not the most responsible guy and employee. But not everywhere punctuality is the norm. So in Tanzania, arriving on time for a birthday party or meeting is considered unforgivable rudeness. Arriving on time means putting yourself above your friend, since not all residents have not only a private car, but even access to public transport. Therefore, if you make an appointment there, then do not dare to insist on punctuality: for this you will be known as a proud rude. If you find yourself in Tanzania and go to a meeting, be sure to be late for 15 minutes, or even for all thirty. Show how polite you are.