Thinking institute history etiquette in one word. The history of etiquette: the formation of culture
Modern etiquette inherits the customs of almost all nations from antiquity to the present day. At their core, these rules of behavior are universal, since they are observed not only by representatives of a given society, but also by representatives of the most diverse socio-political systems existing in the modern world. The people of each country make amendments and additions to etiquette, determined by the social system of the country, the specifics of its historical structure, national traditions and customs.
The first rules of behavior, which became the basis of behavioral culture, arose along with humanity. Their main task was to create the most favorable conditions for survival: in order to live and fight together, they had to coordinate their interests with others, subordinate them to common ones, learn to understand others, their thoughts and feelings, predict actions, and be able to communicate with other people. This is how simple rules of communication arose, which, passed on from generation to generation, shaped morals.
Our ancestors decorated their nose with a ring, inserted a stick into their ear, stretched their neck ten centimeters with a special hoop, or shortened their feet - all this was caused by the desire to please, i.e. the desire to do everything according to the laws of beauty. The predominant role in the development of primitive culture belonged to women. The mother, showing her love for children, care for the weak, respect for elders, fostered a feeling of love, affection, care in children, and helped to consolidate humane human norms of behavior in their minds.
However, if the simplest moral forms take shape at the dawn of humanity, then etiquette appears somewhat later and is formed as a set of rules of behavior in the process of stratification of society. The one who has received power and wealth distinguishes himself with all kinds of decorations and demands a special, respectful attitude (this is where arrogance and envy arise). He treats his own kind differently than those who are different from him in origin and position (this is how the arrogance of some, the humiliation and servility of others arises).
The oldest known information about etiquette - ancient Egyptian - dates back about 5 thousand years. The necessary qualities of a “decent person” are moderation and modesty. The “Instructions of the Chief of the City and the Vizier of Ptahhoten” give instructions to young people, which especially emphasize the need to honor elders. The ancient Egyptians considered the ability to eat beautifully and silently, using cutlery, to be an important component of culture and a great virtue.
Ancient Greeks who extolled love for the Motherland and readiness to give their lives for it, worshiped intelligence, strength and beauty. Restraint on weekdays, emancipation on holidays and fury in battle are the most valued forms of Greek behavior.
“Measure is the most important thing,” they said ancient romans. Ancient Rome was blatantly disharmonious in its moral and aesthetic standards, which was reflected in etiquette: intemperance in behavior, manifestation of feelings, the desire to conquer with luxury in outfits and festivities. Therefore, against the backdrop of the soft and delicate Greeks, the Romans looked unbridled, not knowing a sense of proportion in anything.
Even without knowing the word “etiquette,” court ceremonial was created in the East. Japanese etiquette is determined by centuries-old traditions, a complex hierarchy of class stratifications, and Europeans still have difficulty comprehending the Japanese code of courtesy. It requires extreme delicacy and is based on concern not to put the interlocutor in an awkward position. But the East is not only Japan. The inhabitants of Ancient China also knew how to behave in society. Ancient Chinese etiquette has more than thirty thousand ceremonies.
In the Middle Ages, it especially stands out Byzantine etiquette, lush and canonical, absorbing the culture of the West and the East. Etiquette acquired extraordinary significance, for it imparted brilliance and grandeur to power. Special positions are formed around the imperial throne for strict adherence to the rules of etiquette. The legislator of the rules of etiquette in the Middle Ages was the church.
With the development of social organization, behavioral regulation became more complex. Instructions for behavior appeared, ceremonies for the most important social events were developed, and a behavioral order was formed that reflected the life of a particular social group: nobles, merchants, artisans, even traveling students. A strict order of behavior was strictly observed at the monarchical courts and in diplomatic circles.
Was extremely harsh etiquette of Spain and England. It shackled a person like a metal corset. Special books and treatises appeared that taught what politeness requires of every educated person. These requirements turn simple rules of behavior into a standard as a necessary ritualized form of communication. Moreover, the requirements of etiquette were so complex that over time, special people appeared - masters of ceremonies, who knew all the subtleties of court rituals, which even monarchs had no right to violate. The monarchs of Western Europe demanded that visitors granted an audience kneel. This inconvenient way of expressing respect was born in Spain, and later began to be used at the Austrian court. In the name of etiquette, people sometimes sacrificed their lives. Thus, the Spanish queen almost died when she got entangled in the stirrups and fell from her horse. The grandees who saw this did not dare to help her, since etiquette forbade touching the queen. True, there were two brave souls who saved the queen, after which they immediately left Madrid to avoid punishment.
Etiquette of Italy and France was much freer. And if during the Middle Ages Spanish etiquette set the tone, then from the 8th to 8th centuries. the palm goes to France. The word “etiquette” itself has been used since the time of Louis IV, at whose receptions guests were given cards listing the rules of behavior required of them. These cards are “labels” and give the etiquette its name. Etiquette was a behavioral label that indicated that a person belonged to a certain class of society. Moreover, etiquette, strictly regulating every step, every action, was an important attribute of high origin, wealth and power, so for a long time it was believed that etiquette was a purely secular, courtly property. The life of the French court was reminiscent of a theatrical performance, where actions could be treacherous and cruel, but manners had to be distinguished by elegance and grace, where what was most valued was not sincerity, but the ability to be considerate in one’s manner.
Etiquette was in the nature of law and had a very strong impact on high society. Violation of etiquette norms was considered a crime. At the same time, it was a very complex, detailed and branched system of rules, often multi-valued and confusing, which was impossible to master without special training. The complexity of training has necessitated the need for special manuals and manuals. And such sources appeared: a treatise on behavior “Disciplina clericalis”, written by the Spanish priest Pedro Alfonso in 1204; a book dedicated to noble etiquette - “Letters to a Son” by F. Chesterfield.
Enlighteners of the 8th century viewed court etiquette as a means of power, stratification, and even greater separation from the people. Therefore, during the French Revolution, noble etiquette would be publicly rejected as hypocritical, unnatural and exaggerated. So, for example, the respectful address “You” was abolished, it was ordered not to remove the headdress when greeting, etc. But the era of the Directory and the accession of the commoner Napoleon to the imperial throne not only again caused an appeal to high society etiquette, but also contributed to its further complication.
Bourgeois etiquette, Compared to the aristocratic one, it is more natural in appearance, more practical and simpler. This especially applies to American etiquette. The first President of the United States, George Washington, became famous for the fact that at the age of fourteen, using the English translation of a book by a French monk published in 1640, he compiled one hundred and ten “Rules of Decent Conduct.” Later American codes of rules are largely focused on the practicality of the writings of the prominent writer and politician B. Franklin. Nowadays in America there is the Emily Post Institute of Etiquette. She is the most popular author of books on behavioral culture, perhaps not only in the United States. Today, most modern American books on etiquette are clearly practical in nature: they teach those communication techniques that should help you make a career, find the right friends, husband, etc.
Changing historically, etiquette continues to carry a socially demarcating character. At the same time, its national characteristics have always stood out and still remain significant.
History of etiquette in Russia. Slavic customs, norms and rules of behavior are mentioned in the first written sources. In The Tale of Bygone Years, the chronicler says that “the tribes had their own customs and laws and traditions, and each had their own character...”
At the beginning of the 12th century, Prince Vladimir Monomakh compiled a “Teaching to Children,” in which he ordered to work, do good, tame anger and have “an honest soul, a temperate tongue.”
The first person in Rus' who began to attach importance to etiquette was the boyar Andrei Kurbsky. He was the first to introduce the address “You,” which came into widespread use because it was required by society as a sign of social dignity. Gradually, “you” and “you” distributed roles among themselves as signs of communication between people.
In the era of Ivan IV, a set of rules of behavior for townspeople appeared - “Domostroy”, which was quite consistent with the morals of the era. The book was a set of rules written by the priest Sylvester, which proclaimed sole power in the family of a formidable ruler - the father, the owner of the house, who sternly kept the family under his control in obedience. “Domostroy” described not only the internal family order and resolved economic issues, but also contained rules of conduct - how to visit, what to talk about.
The way of life in Russia changes dramatically in the era of Peter I, who decisively introduces a new etiquette, forcing people to abandon the strict way of life, boyar fur coats and manners. The “polites” introduced by him prescribes how to organize assemblies, where all nobles should gather for communication, what clothes to wear, how to monitor the cleanliness of the body, how to organize a feast. This noble etiquette uniquely combined ancient Russian customs and traditions with European rules of behavior. In 1717, a collection of behavioral advice appeared (“An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Indications for Everyday Conduct, Collected from Various Authors”), which immediately gained popularity among young nobles. The beginning of the 8th century was characterized by the increased introduction of the Western type. Not only clothing styles, but also external forms of behavior were transferred to Russian soil. Peter I himself constantly and persistently monitored the observance of these rules by the boyars and the noble class. The influence of Western European, especially French, culture on Russian life and customs increased noticeably in the era of Elizabeth Petrovna. Even the French language became an official part of Russian culture. The old patriarchal behavioral order was supplanted by a new one developed by the nobility. It was based on education and good manners, grace of manners and rules of decency. Noble etiquette was characterized by pomp, luxury, and class isolation. But the provincial nobility was in no hurry to change the old way of life, gradually yielding to the new demands of behavior and communication.
Nevertheless, such significant phenomena of social life as the theater, which became the trendsetter of court fashion, actively entered into life, Peter's assemblies, which later degenerated into balls with European dances, brought curtsy and kissing the lady's hand to Russian society. The men felt like gentlemen and began to court the ladies, and the ladies began to flirt and get carried away by the beauty of their outfits.
In the 8th – 8th centuries. Russian society was dominated by noble etiquette, the bearer of which was a personality type whose behavior, appearance and lifestyle were based on cultural traditions that organically combined ethical and aesthetic norms. As in previous times, a clear awareness of oneself in the social hierarchy was brought up: to know and understand one’s place in society, rationally assessing the superiority of those who are higher in position, refraining from getting close to them and showing modesty. There were still many degrees and shades of etiquette. Relations between strangers or acquaintances, friends or relatives, persons different in gender, age, position, rank, brought to the fore certain etiquette rules. But in all cases, respect and courtesy, modesty and restraint, as well as strict attention to one’s appearance, manners and speech were required.
At the same time, etiquette was often understood as a set of formalities relating to appearance and behavior. In society they said: good manners, good manners. The pedagogical theory of “to be and to appear” has received widespread development. Educators of noble children taught their pupils to hide their true feelings, control themselves and demonstrate only beautiful external manners in society, without thinking at all about the truth and sincerity of feelings. Not to be, but to seem kind, kind, pleasant.
Among the various intelligentsia, a critical attitude towards the ostentatious mannerisms of noble etiquette has emerged. Along with the new way of life and new life ideals, rules of behavior and communication were formed, the essence of which boiled down to greater simplicity. At the same time, the best representatives of the noble class always adhered to this very rule in their behavior. The features of noble etiquette remained fundamental for Russian society at the end of the 19th century.
After the events of 1917, living conditions in Russia radically changed, new rules of behavior and norms emerged. The secular etiquette of the capital's nobility and the patriarchal traditions of the Russian province were destroyed. The illiterate masses did not understand the essence and significance of etiquette, considering it an unnecessary luxury of the old world. Only the entry of Soviet Russia into the international arena preserved the etiquette basis of behavior among diplomatic and then senior government and party workers. But for the majority of the country’s population, instead of a well-thought-out behavioral system developed over two centuries, a new, Soviet order of behavior was formed, which was based on class and proletarian interests, peculiarly combined with selective rules of previous etiquette. For many years, there was a belief that etiquette is the order of behavior accepted at the court of the monarch and among diplomats. In a socialist society, a culture of behavior was observed, which in general is essentially correct, since it includes the nature and order of behavior, including etiquette - an achievement developed by humanity in the field of behavior.
In the last decade, the word “etiquette” has again acquired a wide meaning. Many books have been published that reveal the content of modern etiquette. Various educational institutions are introducing the study of the behavioral structure of society. An understanding of the functional significance of etiquette for the development of society and each individual individually is affirmed.
2.3 Objectives of etiquette: connecting the spheres of relationships between people in society
Etiquette carries within itself universal human norms of communication that have been preserved for thousands of years and are characteristic of many nations. Therefore, they are observed by representatives not only of a particular society, but also of all sociocultural formations existing at this stage of human development.
Etiquette creates conditions favorable for communication and coexistence of people different in nationality, social status, gender status, psychological and age characteristics, views, and educational level. Thanks to him, everyone knows how to behave among people of a particular social group, act in accordance with the situation that has arisen, build their relationships with loved ones, friends, work colleagues, and communicate with unfamiliar and unfamiliar people. To a large extent, adherence to etiquette allows you to achieve success in your professional activities.
The word “etiquette” has such a long history that the fact where it originates has long been forgotten, and humanity can only guess and guess about where and when this concept appeared. However, if we turn to some historical reports, some of them suggest that the word “etiquette” appeared during the reign of the legendary Louis XIV to denote some innovations in the cultural life of the royal court. It was under the Great Louis XIV that all guests of the court began to receive special cards, or so-called labels. The labels contained rules of behavior that all guests, without exception, had to adhere to while on the territory of the royal court. According to one version history of etiquette began precisely from this moment, and the name itself - etiquette - received from the name of the cards. However, there are also supporters of another version, according to which history of etiquette dates back at least five thousand years.
Ancient and medieval etiquette
It's no secret that the great civilization of Ancient Rome, when creating its national culture, took the culture of Greece as a basis, due to a related militant mentality. The hot temper, intemperance in behavior, the desire to surpass others in luxury attire, the rebellious character of the ancient Romans - all this was reflected in the etiquette of one of the most powerful and majestic civilizations of antiquity. During the Middle Ages, many countries had their own unique etiquette. History of etiquette Byzantium is very interesting, since it is distinguished by its pomp and canonicity, thereby embodying the features of Eastern and Western culture.
Etiquette in the East
Long before the very concept of “etiquette” arose, this phenomenon existed in the East. The native inhabitants of Europe still learn Japanese etiquette with great difficulty and effort. History of etiquette in Japan it is very unique and original. Etiquette in this country is very subtle and delicate. The main thing in it is to ensure that the interlocutor feels comfortable in communication and in no case finds himself in an awkward situation. But not only Japan was famous for its tact. The inhabitants of Ancient China also knew how to behave and teach themselves correctly in society.
Etiquette overseas
In the United States, the first mentions of rules of behavior in society date back to the presidency of George Washington. History of etiquette in the United States began from the moment when the future president, as a fourteen-year-old teenager, studied the translation of a book by a French monk dating back to 1640, and collected about one hundred and ten “Rules of Decent Behavior.” Some of them read: “Don’t crush fleas in public, don’t itch at the table...” The Institute of Etiquette is currently open and operating in America, the founder of which is Emilia Post. Her books on etiquette and social behavior are known and popular not only in America.
Russian etiquette
For quite a long period of time, residents of Russia relied on the traditions of Domostroy in their everyday life. This book, the greatest cultural heritage of Medieval Rus', was written during the reign of Ivan IV by the priest Sylvester and remained relevant and revered until the 18th century. The basic principles of life according to Domostroi were that the father was the sole head of any family, and he could severely punish any family member in case of disobedience to him. With the accession of Peter I to the Russian throne, European manners began to be actively introduced into the life of the population of the Russian Empire. For this purpose, Peter I ordered the republication of the famous European book “The Honest Mirror of Youth.” Many of the etiquette standards given in this work have not lost their relevance today.
Etiquette is a historical phenomenon . The rules of people's behavior changed with changes in the living conditions of society and the specific social environment. Etiquette arose during the birth of absolute monarchies.
Adhering to certain rules of behavior and ceremonial was necessary to exalt royalty (pharaohs, emperors, khans, kings, kings, princes, princes, dukes, etc.), as well as to consolidate the hierarchy. Not only a person’s career, but also a person’s life often depended on compliance with the rules of behavior. This was the case in Ancient Egypt, China, Rome, and the Golden Horde. Violation of etiquette led to enmity between tribes, peoples and even wars.
In Russia at the beginning XVIII V. Western etiquette began to be increasingly introduced. Clothes, manners and external forms of behavior were transferred to Russian soil. The observance of these rules by the boyars and the noble class (especially in capital cities) was constantly and persistently, sometimes cruelly, monitored by Tsar Peter himself I . Their violations were severely punished. Later, during the reign of Elizabeth and Catherine II rules of etiquette were selected that met the requirements and characteristics of the national culture of Russia, which, as a Eurasian country, in many ways combined the opposites of Europe and Asia. And there were many of these opposites not only in XVIII in., but also now. The English writer Rudyard Kipling said that the West is the West, the East is the East, and they will never meet. Even within the borders of the Russian Empire, the rules of behavior of different peoples differed significantly. They are still different. Of course, social progress also contributed to the interpenetration of rules of behavior and the enrichment of cultures. The world was getting smaller. The process of mutual enrichment of rules of conduct made it possible to develop mutually acceptable etiquette, recognized in its main features, and enshrined in customs and traditions. Etiquette began to prescribe standards of behavior at work, on the street, at a party, at business and diplomatic receptions, in the theater, on public transport, etc.
Etiquette has always performed and continues to perform certain functions . For example, division by rank, estate, nobility of the family, titles, property status. The rules of etiquette were and are observed especially strictly in the countries of the Far and Middle East.
Naturally, the norms of behavior of sovereigns during meetings, developing, gave birth to diplomatic etiquette, since diplomats during negotiations expressed the state point of view.
At the same time, military etiquette developed, maintaining the harmony and strictness of the rules of behavior in the army, without which order would simply be impossible. Other types of etiquette also appeared - secular, sometimes now called general civil. The “youngest” of them is business etiquette.
Business Etiquette- this is the external expression of a person’s internal morality and culture, the most important aspect of the professional behavior of a business person, entrepreneur. Knowledge of etiquette is a necessary professional quality that must be acquired and constantly improved.
The well-known term “etiquette” comes from the French word étiquette - ethics. This is a set of rules for appropriate human behavior in society. The historical roots of the term in its modern format go back to the reign of the French king Louis XIV.
The origin of the concept
The history of this concept originates in France. This is due to the fact that the term was first used at the court of the French king. Before the next social event, special cards were distributed to invitees. They indicated the main provisions of behavior.
This is how the first official set of rules of behavior in a cultural society appeared. Since then, the active development of etiquette in the upper classes began, despite the fact that certain provisions and norms existed in ancient times.
Experts claim that the first unspoken rules worked in Europe back in the Middle Ages, but they were not recorded anywhere. Guests participating in long feasts were seated in a certain sequence, although at that time there was no cutlery in their modern sense.
France is generally considered to be the birthplace of the concept of “etiquette,” however, some experts claim that the position of the ancestor of the above-mentioned phenomenon is also disputed by England. Despite the emergence of certain norms of behavior, they could not develop adequately due to the harsh and cruel conditions of that time. As a result, morality, ethics and spirituality faded into the background.
There is evidence that certain rules of good manners appeared in the 14th century within the borders of Italy. Cultural personal growth began to be observed in the state. Social essence began to matter in society.
In the 15th century, European countries began to use personal cutlery. A century later, these attributes became mandatory during dinners. The use of a fork and knife became the impetus for the formation of European social etiquette.
The development and spread of this effect was particularly influenced by court ritual. A need arose for the position of master of ceremonies, who carefully monitored the implementation of all necessary instructions and regulations.
They compiled lists of people who had the right to accompany the monarchs during their walks and other events.
Age of Enlightenment
The rules of etiquette became especially widespread during the Age of Enlightenment. During this period they moved from the upper layers of the nobility to the rest of the population. The norms became simplified and more democratic compared to the manners at court.
The modern meaning of the term has evolved over several centuries and has reached our time. For example, knights, when in the company of close people, took off their helmet. This clearly demonstrated their trust. Now men take off their hats indoors. They also uncovered their heads as a sign of greeting to people passing by.
The tradition of shaking hands when meeting also originates in Europe. People of equal age or position shook hands, while those of superior status were kissed.
The younger one should not have extended his hand to greet him first.
Ancient Rus'
Historians have been tracking the process of the emergence of etiquette on the territory of Rus' since the Pre-Petrine period. The etiquette of that time was significantly different from the manners of Europeans. Foreign citizens often perceived the everyday norms of Russian behavior as something wild and even barbaric.
Byzantine traditions had a huge influence on the formation of rules of behavior in Russia. Not only local etiquette was borrowed from this state, but also national age-old traditions. They moved to Russian lands along with the Christian religion. Despite such changes, it was possible to preserve pagan rituals that have survived to the present day.
The second factor that changed the habitual way of life of the people was the influence of the Mongol-Tatar yoke. Certain elements of this culture passed on to the lands of Ancient Rus'.
Social status
The position of a person played a huge role in society. In this sense, the inhabitants of Rus' and Western Europe were very similar. Russian people also honored their elders.
There was a special attitude towards the guests. If an important person came to the house, she was greeted personally by the owner of the property on the porch. Those who were younger in terms of social ladder and age were already greeted in the room of the house, and those of equal age were greeted in the entryway.
Noble people of that time walked with a special cane. Crossing the threshold of the building, she was left in the entryway. Headdresses were removed and carried in the hands.
Religion had a huge influence on norms of behavior. Entering the house, guests stopped near the icons and were baptized. Then they made three traditional bows to the holy images. Next, the guests had to greet the host with a bow. Close people exchanged handshakes and hugs.
As soon as the guests left, they went through almost the same sequence of actions, crossing themselves and bowing to the image of the saints. Then they said goodbye to the owner. Blowing your nose, sneezing and coughing at a party was bad manners.
Clothing and appearance
The clothing of Russian men and women during the Middle Ages was not much different. In addition, there was no size chart, all things were loose. In the cold season, they always wore sheepskin coats, jackets, fur coats and other warm clothes. Beautiful clothes, decorated with decorative elements, spoke of a person’s high status and wealth. Peasants wore felt boots in the cold, and the nobility wore boots.
According to the rules of good manners, women wore long braids. Braided hair was a must. They did not wear their hair down; it was considered indecent. Men of that time were decorated with lush beards and mustaches.
Feast
At the beginning of the feast in Rus', the guests ordered a glass of vodka. She definitely had to eat some bread. Pre-chopped dishes were laid out on the table. Cutlery made of precious metals was placed with them, however, they had no practical function. These decorations testified to the hospitality and wealth of the owner of the house.
The bones were not left on the plate, but placed in a separate bowl.
The guests of the feast tried to try all the drinks and dishes offered by the hosts; this was considered a sign of special veneration.
Peter's era
During the time of Peter I, Western trends began to be increasingly introduced into the development of etiquette. The fashion of Germany, England and Holland also had a significant influence. The behavioral norms of high society of that period changed and transformed significantly. Then they moved on to ordinary people.
Over time, the influence of the above European states changed to French. At that time, Queen Elizabeth ruled the state. Tradition, language, fashion and much more moved to Russian lands.
The social behavior of secular people acquired the character of sentimentalism. Afterwards it was successfully transformed into romanticism. People began to be interested in education. Art comes to the fore: painting, music, literature.
Historians note that a sharp decline in French influence was noticeable in 1812, after the end of World War II.
Despite social restructuring, the fashion for the French language remained. Ladies from high society were especially interested in him.
Norms of behavior in the feudal society of Europe
The system of chivalry, known to many, originated in Europe in the 11th century. It significantly influenced the development of European, and then world, etiquette. During this period, new rituals and traditions began to appear, which began to literally “absorb” into society. This is the time of world-famous knightly tournaments and feats in honor of beautiful ladies.
At the same time, the ritual of knighting men appeared. A special ceremony was carried out in connection with established rules and regulations. Knights come up with their own personal code and strictly follow it. The rules established by this code become mandatory for soldiers. The treatise indicated not only norms of behavior, but also the style of clothing and the theme of the symbolism used.
Gender inequality
In medieval Europe, inequality between men and women was clearly demonstrated. Representatives of the fair sex had much fewer rights and freedoms compared to men of that time. Patriarchy reigned, and the rights of the strong half of humanity were enshrined at the legislative level. This way of life was supported by the church.
These restrictions influenced the process of developing behavioral norms for men and women.
Knights and ladies
Special rules of etiquette arose as a result of the relationships of knights with their lovers. The man practically became the lady's servant. He fulfilled all the whims and caprices of the lady of his heart. This pattern of behavior existed even if the woman did not share the feelings of her boyfriend, and the love remained unrequited.
To become a knight's beloved lady, a woman had to meet certain standards. She must be visually attractive, sociable and inquisitive. The ability to conduct small talk was revered. Relationships did not depend on marital status
To be considered a true knight, a man must be brave, strong, honest, sincere, hospitable and generous. They showed these and other qualities during battles and numerous tournaments. The knight was obliged to keep his word at all costs. They also held lavish feasts, clearly demonstrating their generosity.
Present
Gifts that knights gave to their ladies were considered the rules of good manners. An ideal present is a toilet item (jewelry, comb, scarf, and much more). If a man became the winner in a tournament, he would definitely give his opponent’s horse and weapon to his beloved as a trophy. The lady had every right to refuse the offering. This spoke of her indifference to the man.
Vows
Knights and ladies sometimes swore oaths to each other. Sometimes they made up meaningless and stupid things, but they were adhered to without fail. For example, a man could come up with the following conditions: he refused to cut his hair until a certain feat or significant date.
At this time, the woman could completely refuse to eat.
Rules for courtiers
Representatives of high society were expected to follow the rules of etiquette flawlessly. Higher demands were placed on them. During the late Middle Ages, manners were given special importance. Those rules that were adopted several centuries ago have been preserved, transformed and transformed.
During the Enlightenment, the first manuals began to appear that contained the provisions of palace ethics. Representatives of the nobility carefully studied textbooks.
The book stated the following:
- Basic rules for conducting a conversation.
- Correct daily routine.
- How to behave during various ceremonies and much more.
The main features of the etiquette of high-ranking persons are the finest details that were of great importance. Compliance with all points exactly was a prerequisite. During balls, the nobility adhered to certain sets of rules and followed them unquestioningly.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
BELARUSIAN STATE ECONOMIC UNIVERSITY
Department of Political Science
ABSTRACT on the topic:
« History of Etiquette Development: Facts »
Completed by a first-year FBD student: M. A. Klimenok.
Checked by the teacher: Buzovkina I.V.
Minsk 2001
· Introduction.
· Ancient world.
· Western Europe. Early Middle Ages.
· Etiquette in feudal society. Knight's Code.
· Court etiquette.
· Bourgeois etiquette of the 19th century.
· Pre-Petrine Rus'.
· Peter's time (1696-1725).
· 19th, early 20th centuries.
Introduction
Rules of behavior arose a long time ago, at the dawn of human society. As soon as people began to live together, the need for peaceful coexistence arose. The only goal of ETIQUETTE is to make our lives as pleasant as possible from communicating with each other, to avoid all sorts of sharp edges and unexpected insults, to protect us from accidental claims and troubles.
The desire to behave decently was noticed even before the advent of writing. In Homer's Odyssey, and in Egyptian and Roman manuscripts, rules of good manners are already mentioned. Relations between the sexes, higher and lower, means of communication, and the reception of strangers were strictly regulated. To break these rules meant to exclude oneself from one's social group.
The history of etiquette is closely connected with the history of human society. The first written agreement was concluded in 1278 BC. e. between the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses the Second and the Hittite king Hattushil the Third. The Egyptians lost the war, but for the Hittite king it was beneficial to have not an enemy, but an ally in Egypt, so he made peace, the terms of which were engraved on a silver plate, which is the first manifestation of diplomatic etiquette. And it is no coincidence that the first manifestations of regulated relations appeared in the “hot spots” of human relationships. The firstborn of etiquette - Diplomatic etiquette. The ancient Greeks, attaching great importance to interstate relations, developed diplomatic ethics, saturating it with a huge number of complex rituals. Then court etiquette arises. Each ruling dynasty creates a complex ceremony around itself with a greater or lesser degree of solemnity. And only then is general civil etiquette formed, which is akin to court etiquette, but much simpler.
In 1204, the Spanish priest Pedro Alfonso created a book on rules of conduct for clergy and monks, Discipline Clericalis, and on its basis manuals on civil etiquette were subsequently compiled in England, France, Germany and the Italian principalities.
England and France are considered the classic countries of etiquette, although the improvement of morals in Europe began in Italy in the 14th century. The rise of the arts, characteristic of the Renaissance, aesthetic and mental pleasure changed the life and morals of people. Refinement, grace, manners, fashion, etiquette - all this became of keen interest to the Italians. Etiquette reached its highest development, splendor, luxury and severity under Louis 14th, therefore, from the 17th century, France began to be the trendsetter of taste, etiquette and fashion.
European etiquette penetrated into Russia at the beginning of the 18th century. Before this, there was a generally accepted order at the royal court and outside it, formulated in the 16th century in a code of rules called “Domostroy”. The rules of Domostroy were based on the class division of society and the subordination of the lower to the higher, the younger to the older. In the family, the unshakable power of the head of the house over all household members and servants was established, and in case of disobedience to the head of the house, it was ordered to “break the ribs” of the one who disobeyed. A strict hierarchy of subordination was created in society: boyar, viceroy, tsar. By the end of the 17th century, the Domostroevsky order began to interfere with the development of culture and society, and Peter 1, expanding the boundaries of Russia’s communication with other states, began to instill European norms of behavior in Russia. In 1717, the book “An Honest Mirror of Youth or an Indication for Everyday Life, Collected from Various Authors” was published. The rules of behavior of various European countries, but mainly England, were uniquely combined with Russian national customs and conditions. And although Peter 1 eradicated patriarchal orders with fire and sword, some foundations and traditions of Domostroy (usually in the merchant and peasant classes) coexisted with European rules for a long time (mainly at the unofficial, family level. Let us recall, for example, the textbook Katerina from “The Thunderstorm” "N. Ostrovsky). Nowadays, Russian etiquette is associated, rather, with the noble class, where numerous tutors and teachers instilled proper manners from an early age.
The October Revolution chaotically mixed up social strata and reshaped all spheres of life, and etiquette also suffered greatly. The concept of etiquette as a mandatory category was eradicated. The emphatically gallant address was presented with a certain amount of irony and was considered excessive. Of course, gradually the rules of good manners began to return as an inevitable part of human existence, but the basics suffered greatly.
Ancient world
Ancient Greece
The Greek polis (polis) - city-state and the Roman civitas (civitas) - community ensured the full development of the civil, physical, creative capabilities of free citizens, which determined the norms of behavior in society. There were no formal restrictions in social life, and only during the late Roman Empire the first signs of strict regulation of behavior began to appear and the foundations of etiquette were formed.
The Greeks spent most of the day outside the home - in palestras and gymnasiums (gyms and stadiums). All citizens sought to get to the agora (market square) in the city center, where personal and business meetings took place. Here the Greeks learned the news that was discussed throughout the afternoon. Therefore, the slave accompanying the Greek citizen brought with him a folding chair for more comfortable communication. Often they had to return at night, accompanied by torchbearer slaves. During the day, men usually took part in several sports competitions, as well as gambling (ball games, dice games), and cockfights. According to customs, a woman could only leave the house accompanied by slaves. The slaves carried an umbrella for the mistress, the slaves carried a folding chair.
Clothing in Ancient Greece
The clothing of the Greeks was very simple. The main type of clothing for men and women was the tunic. A chiton is a knee-length or lower dress, tied at the waist with a belt. The tunic could be sleeved or sleeveless and fastened at the shoulder with a buckle. Over the tunic, men wore a himation (long cloak), and women wore a peplos (long cloak with a hood). Men also wore a short cloak - a chlamys, which was attached to the clothes with clasps. The materials for making clothes were wool and linen. The headdress was worn only on the road. Men wore a felt cap-type cap and a wide-brimmed hat. Shoes for the Greeks were sandals and felt or leather boots laced in the front. Complex women's hairstyles were strengthened with hairpins made of precious metals and stones. In addition to richly decorated belts, women's clothing was complemented by jewelry: earrings, bracelets, tiaras.
Sports, baths in Ancient Greece
The Greeks attached special importance to physical beauty and health, closely linking them with the beauty of the soul and mind. Society was very concerned about maintaining health, particularly hygiene. Therefore, in large cities there were public baths. The Greeks came to the bathhouse every other day, accompanied by slaves. The slave carried with him oil, soda, greasy clay, linen, a towel and brushes. The hot bath was taken in a round vat; This was followed by cold baths. There were also steam rooms with dry hot air. Greek sports competitions, in particular the Olympic Games, were dedicated to gods and heroes. The Greeks strived for harmonious development. Such a famous philosopher as Plato became famous in his youth as a fist fighter.
Ceremonial meal in Ancient Greece
Proxenia
The most important features of Greek social life were friendliness and hospitality, which turned into a state duty. Hospitality turned into the institution of proxy - a prototype of the diplomatic service. When moving from his homeland, a Greek found himself a stranger in a neighboring state. Proxenes (representatives of the Athenian state in other policies) protected their interests by providing them with housing, lending them money, providing them with amenities and creating a familiar environment for them. For their service, proxies received a number of privileges in those policies to whose citizens they provided these services.
