The history of etiquette. Abstract Concept Etiquette. History of etiquette. Types of etiquette. Restaurant etiquette Sports, baths in Ancient Greece
How did etiquette come about?
This familiar word “etiquette” became commonly used in the 17th century. It happened like this: once at a court reception (at that time the French king Louis XIV was reigning), the guests were given cards that listed some acceptable rules of behavior. The word “etiquette” came from their French name, and later it entered the languages of many countries.
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. Adherents of the social contract theory, Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, wrote about this. Hence the conclusion follows: the priority goal of etiquette is to make our lives as pleasant and safe as possible when communicating with each other, to smooth out all possible rough edges and unexpected offenses, to warn us against accidental claims and troubles. The rules of good manners (the desire to “behave decently”) already existed among the ancients. Thus, in Homer’s “Odyssey”, in Egyptian and Roman manuscripts, the rules of good manners are already mentioned. Relations between the sexes, superiors and subordinates, means of communication, and the reception of strangers were strictly regulated. Violation of these rules entailed exclusion from the social group.
The more ambiguous the situation, the greater the danger of being misunderstood, the greater the need to regulate relations between people. Therefore, the firstborn of etiquette is not accidental Diplomatic etiquette. Already the ancient Greeks attached great importance to interstate relations; they actively developed diplomatic etiquette, creating a complex chain of necessary rituals.
Then court etiquette arose. Each ruling dynasty created an elaborate ceremony around itself with a certain degree of solemnity. On the basis of court etiquette, only in a simpler form (a sort of light version), general civil etiquette is formed.
As we found out, etiquette began to take shape in ancient times, but it was during the Middle Ages that it acquired the features that we know today. In the 11th century, a social system of chivalry emerged, which subsequently spread throughout Europe. Chivalry had a huge impact on European etiquette and created countless new rituals and ceremonies around the feudal aristocracy. The code of honor required the knight to follow complex etiquette procedures: knighting, accepting homage (from the French hommage vassalage), declaring war and participating in a tournament, serving a lord. Even such a personal matter as serving a chosen lady of the heart was described by its own etiquette standards. Deviation from these dogmas, even in small things, could lower the dignity of a knight in the eyes of other representatives of this class. Every act of the knight, his clothing and its colors, his words and gestures - everything had a certain symbolic meaning. Even when speed and speed were required, the knight had to be guided not by common sense, but by the requirements of etiquette. There is a well-known example when, during the Battle of Crecy, the French knights, who rode to the king with an urgent battle report, did not find the courage to be the first to turn to the king, since only he had such a right in relation to his subjects. When the king finally deigned to talk to them, the knights bickered for a long time, conceding to each other the honorable right to report to the king. No one thought what was happening on the battlefield and that delay could have a detrimental effect on the course of the battle.
Etiquette in Western European countries developed under the great influence of local national customs and traditions. Ethical standards of various layers of society, religious rituals, superstitions and prejudices also strongly determine the formation and development of etiquette norms.
By the way: Keep in mind!
Many modern rules of behavior initially had a completely different meaning when they arose (as a rule, they originate from all sorts of rituals that permeated the life of ancient man). Some etiquette norms of the past have changed in such a way that it is difficult to trace their historical roots. Others simply disappeared, just as the phenomena that gave birth to them disappeared, but, one way or another, all the accepted rituals of behavior left their mark on the development of etiquette. It is believed that modern etiquette inherits the best customs of the past, the behavioral traditions of all peoples. But! One should remember the well-known relativity of etiquette requirements; they are not absolute: the conditions for their observance depend on the place, time, and circumstances. It often happens that behavior that is not acceptable in one place and under some circumstances may be quite appropriate in other conditions.
Let's remember why a man should walk down the street to the left of a woman. Just two or three hundred years ago, men had the rule of carrying a weapon on their left side - a saber, sword or dagger. To prevent this weapon from touching the woman, if she was nearby, they stood to her left. Now such an obstacle when walking with a lady is possible only among the military. But the custom, nevertheless, was preserved for everyone.
There are customs whose origin is almost impossible to find out. They, as they say, pass from generation to generation. But if they have been preserved unchanged, then it is hardly worth challenging the folk wisdom, thanks to which they were preserved. The most honored guests are given seats in the middle of the table, next to the hosts or opposite them. The owners always enter the house or apartment first, and then the guests, if they come together.
So, etiquette is a very large and important part of universal human culture, morality, morality. It has been developed over many centuries. There are practically no people who would not make their contribution to the world treasury of etiquette, albeit in accordance with their ideas about goodness, justice, and humanity.
But even the strictest adherence to faceless patterns of behavior is not the root of truly correct behavior; the main thing always remains a sincere, hospitable and kind attitude towards people. After all, if all the little details of etiquette are not supported by internal education and high morality, then it is unlikely that etiquette will be of much benefit to the people around us.
The history of etiquette is very interesting, and knowing it will bring us undoubted benefit.
So I invite everyone to join me in order to study together the ABC of behavior.
Rules of conduct, as some sometimes think, are not at all invented by the minority in order to torment the majority. They are the result of centuries-old development of the cultural traditions of peoples. Anything that did not stand the test of time was discarded. First of all, those traits that carried elements of arrogance and disdain for ordinary people became a thing of the past.
In the Middle Ages, for example, it was considered the highest manifestation of nobility and sophistication when gentlemen sat with ladies at the dinner table in pairs, ate from the same plate and drank from the same glass. The rational grain of this custom - attention to women - has survived to this day, and I would like to hope that it will continue to exist. But eating from one plate has already become a legend of bygone days.
Modern etiquette inherits the best customs of the past, the traditions of behavior of all peoples. Since the times of Ancient Rome, the custom of hospitality has come to us. The Scandinavians were the first to introduce into etiquette the rule of giving the most honorable place at the table to the most respected guest.
The custom of presenting symbolic keys to the city to guests of honor dates back to when European cities locked their city gates at night. And the highest sign of respect and trust in the guest was to hand him the keys to these gates.
Perhaps few people know why a man should walk down the street to the left of a woman. Just two or three hundred years ago, men carried a weapon on their left side - a saber, sword or dagger. And so that the weapon would not hit the woman, if she was nearby, they stood to her left. Weapons are now carried only by the military, but the custom, nevertheless, has been preserved.
There are, however, customs whose origin is not easy to find out. They pass from generation to generation. For example, the most honored guests are given seats in the middle of the table, next to the hosts and or opposite them; The owners always enter a house or apartment first, and then the guests, if they come together. But if they have been preserved unchanged, then it is hardly worth challenging the folk wisdom, thanks to which they were preserved. “Respect for the past is the feature that distinguishes education from savagery,” said A. S. Pushkin.
Etiquette in the broadest sense is the rules of communication between people. The word “etiquette” itself entered international use in the 17th century. Once, at one court reception during the reign of the French king Louis XIV, the guests were given cards listing some rules of behavior. From their French name came the word “etiquette,” which later entered the languages of many countries.
The highest circles of the French aristocracy considered it a destiny to dictate the grace of their manners to other European countries. In 1713, a book listing the rules of etiquette was published in France, which was then distributed to many European countries. It was called “The Art of Gallant Conversations, or How to Become a Man of Good Manners.”
They also tried to keep up in Russia. Under Peter I, a manual for youth, “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Indications for Everyday Conduct,” was published three times. In this small book, following the alphabet and numbers, the rules were set out on how to communicate in society, sit at the table and handle a fork and knife, and what position to take when bowing. Etiquette was considered part of general education.
At that time, the court nobility amused themselves with etiquette; foreign ambassadors and envoys flaunted it.
The Russian Empress Catherine II forced courtiers who did not shine with their manners to adhere to the rules of the “Hermitage Charter” developed at the imperial court. Among other things, the charter required “to speak moderately and not very loudly, so that the ears and heads of others there would not hurt.” Further it was prescribed: “Do not take quarrels out of the hut, and what goes into one ear would come out the other before they come out of the door.” For violation of this instruction, the guest was forever denied access to receptions with the Empress.
In certain periods of the history of Tsarist Russia, abuse of etiquette was combined with servility, admiration for foreigners, and contempt for national traditions and folk customs.
Our great A.S. Pushkin in the novel “Eugene Onegin” very remarkably exposed the manners of high society. And his Tatyana Larina stood out with her simple and modest manners among the deadening etiquette of high society. She was leisurely
Not cold, not talkative,
Without an insolent look for everyone,
Without pretensions to success,
Without these little antics,
No imitative ideas...
Everything was quiet, it was just there.
And here are the tips written more than three hundred years ago by the great Czech humanist Jan Amos Comenius. His “Rules of Conduct, collected for youth in 1653” are still read with great interest today.
Some rules have not lost their relevance even now, so I want to give them in full:
“Consider all your fellow students as friends and brothers;
- do not enter into a fight over anything, with the exception of science, but even in this case do not start disputes and hostile antics, but compete with diligence;
- if possible, it is better to provide benefits than to accept them;
- do not chase praise, but try your best to act commendably;
- when meeting someone, greet him; even bare your head in front of respected persons, give them your place and show them your respect by bowing.”
And here is another important advice from Comenius: “Staying with someone, fixing your eyes on a stranger is considered indecent.” Sometimes our children “eat” through the eyes of a stranger. They are, of course, driven by simple curiosity, and not by a desire to offend this person. But if this gesture of curiosity turns into a stable habit, then in the adult world it can, in certain cases, be regarded as tactlessness. And sometimes even perceived as an insult.
But here are the conditions, according to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, that educated people should satisfy.
“They respect the human personality, and therefore are always condescending, polite, compliant...
They don't rebel over a hammer or a missing rubber band; when living with someone, they do not make a favor out of it, and when they leave, they do not say: “I can’t live with you!”
They forgive noise, cold, overcooked meat, witticisms, and the presence of strangers in their home...
They are not only compassionate towards beggars and cats. They are sick in their souls because they cannot be seen with the naked eye...
They respect other people's property, and therefore pay debts.
They are sincere and fear lies like fire. They don't lie even about trifles. A lie is offensive to the listener and vulgarizes the speaker in his eyes.
They don't show off. They behave on the street just as they do at home, and do not show off dust in the eyes of the lesser brethren...
They are not talkative and do not open up when they are not asked... Out of respect for other people's ears, they are often silent.
They do not humiliate themselves for the purpose of arousing sympathy in others.
They do not play on the strings of other people's souls so that in response they sigh and coddle them.
They don’t say: “They don’t understand me!” or “I exchanged it for a small coin!..”, because all this has a cheap effect, vulgar, old and false...
They are not vain. They are not interested in such fake diamonds as meeting celebrities... True talents always sit in the dark, in the crowd, away from the exhibition... If they have talent in themselves, they respect it. They sacrifice peace, women, wine, vanity for him...”
Here you go, but nothing has changed. Neither in form nor in content.
The main thing is that while observing the details of etiquette, we do not forget about a sincere, welcoming and kind attitude towards people. After all, if all the little details of etiquette are not supported by internal education and high morality, then it is unlikely that etiquette will be of much benefit to the people around us.
Introduction.
The established moral norms are the result of a long-term process of establishing relationships between people. Without observing these norms, political, economic, and cultural relations are impossible, because one cannot exist without respecting each other and without imposing certain restrictions on oneself.
Etiquette is a word of French origin meaning manner of behavior. It includes the rules of courtesy and politeness accepted in society.
So, etiquette is a very large and important part of universal human culture, morality, morality, developed over many centuries of life by all peoples in accordance with their ideas about goodness, justice, humanity - in the field of moral culture and about beauty, order, improvement, everyday expediency - in the field of material culture
The history of the origin of etiquette.
Etiquette as a set of certain rules of behavior appeared simultaneously with the emergence of primitive human society as a necessary condition for its existence. From the point of view of semiotics (the science of signs and sign systems), the etiquette of a particular people in a certain historical period can be represented as a set of signs that has its own vocabulary (set of symbols) and grammar (rules for combining these signs). The “vocabulary” of etiquette includes a set of behavioral stereotypes that mark certain situations;
The very concept of “etiquette” is so old that it is very difficult to find and establish the time of its appearance. But, if you believe historical facts, the word “etiquette” first appeared in use at the court of Louis XIV - the same one to whom legend attributes the saying: “I am the state.” At royal receptions, guests were given cards (labels) with rules of conduct, and the word “etiquette” came from the name of the card.
The oldest information about etiquette is approximately five thousand years old. The cheerful Greeks, who extolled love for the Motherland and the willingness 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.
Ancient Rome, although it accepted Greek culture as its basis, due to its social conditions, was blatantly disharmonious in needs, moral and aesthetic standards.
Naturally, this was reflected in etiquette: intemperance in behavior, manifestation of feelings, the desire to conquer with luxury in outfits and festivities.
In the Middle Ages, the magnificent and canonical etiquette of Byzantium, which absorbed the culture of the West and the East, especially stands out.
Even without knowing the word “etiquette,” court ceremonial was created in the East. Europeans still have difficulty understanding the Japanese code of courtesy. Japanese etiquette is determined by centuries-old traditions and a complex hierarchy of class stratifications. Japanese etiquette requires extreme delicacy and is based on concern not to embarrass the interlocutor. 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.
How did etiquette develop overseas? 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.” Here are just a few of them: “Don’t scratch at the table, don’t pick your teeth with a fork, don’t crush fleas in public...” Later American codes of rules are largely focused on the practicality of the writings of the prominent writer and political figure B. Franklin.
Nowadays in America there is the Emilia Post Institute of Etiquette. She is the most popular author of books on behavioral culture, perhaps not only in the United States.
As for Russia, until the 18th century, wealthy citizens lived guided by Domostroy. The book was a set of rules written by the priest Sylvester in the era of Ivan IV. The sole power in the family belonged to the father: he decided the family court, punished the evil wife, and crushed the ribs of his son for disobedience.
Peter I became an active promoter of European manners in Russia. To educate the sons of the nobility, the tsar ordered the book “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Testimonies for Everyday Conduct, Collected from Various Authors,” popular in Europe, to be republished three times. Many of the rules have not lost their relevance to this day.
Modern etiquette has inherited the customs and traditions of almost all nations from hoary antiquity to the present day. The people of each country make their own amendments to etiquette, determined by the social system of the country and the specifics of its historical development.
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 conduct 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.
The origin and development of European etiquette
Having barely learned to think, man learned: his strength lies in unity with his own kind. And in order to live and fight together, we had to coordinate our interests with those of others, subordinate them to common ones, learn to understand the thoughts and feelings of others - to be able to communicate with other people. This is how simple rules of communication, which, passed on from generation to generation, formed morals.
The first requirements for human behavior existed in the form taboo- prohibitions that were, most often, expedient in nature and aimed at the preservation, survival and well-being of the family. Taboos also do not arise immediately. Thus, if at first sexual relations and childbearing were not regulated, then later there was a ban on consanguineous marriages, which led to the birth of non-viable, weak offspring. The taboo on cannibalism was imposed only with the development of agricultural and pastoral culture, when guaranteed sources of other food appeared. True, Freudianism explains the appearance of the first taboos not by the development of culture, but by a sense of guilt, which forced a person to regulate his basic instincts - sexual and the innate desire for death - and create the first “conditionally consensual” rules of behavior.
Be that as it may, man felt his inextricable connection with the clan, outside of which he could not get food and fight enemies. Thus, the desire to behave decently get OK, like it to those around him goes back thousands of years. It stemmed from the conditions of people living together, and not a single era could do without the rules and norms of human communication.
Among the purely human characteristics is the desire to do everything according to the laws of beauty. And when our ancestor decorated his nose with a ring, inserted a stick into his ear, lengthened his neck with special hoops or shortened his foot - all this was also caused by the desire to make a good impression - like it(and again - similarity with the word “temper”). Intuitively, our ancestors came to what modern science has confirmed: what affects feelings and evokes emotions leaves a vivid mark on the mind. A person strives to evoke positive emotions, to be liked, to win a good attitude towards oneself, to feel, as they say now, the comfort of communication by all available means.
It is logical to assume that during the period of barbarism, not only physical strength and the instinct of self-preservation, but also the emerging norms of relations between people, which required mutual assistance and care for each other, contributed to the survival and strengthening of the clan. This positive experience of survival was consolidated and passed on from generation to generation, turning the simplest norms of behavior into the most important factor of human existence.
However, if the simplest norms of behavior “for everyone” were formed at the dawn of humanity, then etiquette in its actual “label” role appears much later and is formed as a set of rules of behavior in the process of stratification of society (though for a long time it was not called etiquette and acted rather as pre-etiquette). He who has power and wealth distinguishes himself with decorations, demands a special, respectful attitude, and treats his own kind differently than those who are different from him in origin and position.
The oldest information we know about etiquette is ancient egyptian date back about five thousand years.
The “Teachings of Kagemni to Pharaoh Snefru” speaks about the benefits of rules of decency. The necessary qualities of a “decent person” are moderation, modesty (the modest is considered happy). The “Instructions of the City Chief and Vizier Ptahkhoten” give instructions to young people, emphasizing the need to honor elders, the ability to keep “the words of the father in your soul” and follow their precepts. The ancient Egyptians considered the ability to eat beautifully and silently, using cutlery, to be a necessary component of culture.
Feature etiquette culture of antiquity there is a clear division of the rules of behavior of people depending on their position. Slavery became not only a manifestation of social inequality, but also a moral problem. Compliance with rules and regulations concerned free people; slaves, in essence, stood “outside the rules”: the requirements of justice, respect, and politeness did not apply to them. Inequality began to be seen as natural norm human relations. This was most clearly manifested in the etiquette culture of Ancient Greece and Rome.
In general, the morals of this era present a motley picture. On the one hand, respect for wisdom, the search for the meaning of life, a craving for beauty, on the other - freedom of morals, the cult of pleasure, permissiveness in love. For example, such wonderful qualities of Odysseus as courage, thirst for achievement and courage, or loyalty to Penelope are opposed by the stinginess, deceit, meanness, desire for power and glory of Nero and Herostratus. Morals were extremely cruel (remember gladiator fights and the decision of the crowd to finish off or pardon the vanquished, Sparta, in which “defective” babies were mercilessly thrown into the abyss), but prisoners were no longer killed, but their lives were kept, although they were turned into slaves.
Ancient Greeks, who worshiped intelligence, strength and beauty, in external behavior most valued restraint on weekdays, emancipation on holidays and courage in battle.
You can read about this in Homer’s Odyssey, in the poems of ancient poets. Pythagoras instilled in his students adherence to customs, obedience to elders, self-control, and endurance. To be virtuous, Socrates preached, one must know how to act. And to be able to control oneself, Democritus believed. Both of these must certainly lead to the need for moderation, many Greek philosophers believed, including Thales, who said: “Moderation in everything is the sword and shield of life, intemperance gives birth to disease and evil.”
Ancient Romans also believed that “measure is most important.”
The ancient Roman poet Ovid warned young people: they should not overeat food and get carried away with drinks, but it is quite proper for a lover of a beauty to dip his fingers in wine and write a declaration of love on the table with “flaming liquid.” Ancient Rome in general was blatantly disharmonious in its moral and aesthetic standards, which was reflected in etiquette: intemperance in behavior and expression of feelings, the desire to conquer with luxury. Therefore, against the backdrop of the soft and delicate Greeks, the Romans looked unbridled, not knowing a sense of proportion in anything.
IN medieval era first of all attracts attention Byzantine etiquette, lush and canonical, absorbing the culture of the West and the East.
Here etiquette acquired extraordinary significance, for it gave power brilliance and grandeur. Around the imperial throne, special positions are introduced to strictly observe the rules of etiquette: courtiers who dressed the emperor; who supplied water for washing hands; keeper of the royal inkwell; the person responsible for the cleanliness of the court, and many other courtiers who consistently performed all the rituals prescribed at court.
One of the most interesting moments in the development of Etiquette is its appearance in the Middle Ages social etiquette, the foundation of which was the same hierarchical ladder - strict adherence to the norms of subordination and rules of behavior for individual classes. Within its framework, in turn, knightly and court etiquette stood out.
At the core knightly etiquette lying Code of Knightly Honor- a set of special moral norms and values that allowed knights to separate themselves from the “ignoble” - commoners. Nobility was the main virtue of a knight.
One of the signs of nobility was a long pedigree, which required the knight to glorify the real, and often imagined, virtues, exploits and moral virtues of his ancestors and increase them. The core of the knightly code of honor was also loyalty to one’s lord and one’s obligations, therefore knightly etiquette included numerous vows, oaths, and rituals. Betrayal and treachery were considered the gravest sin and entailed exclusion from the knightly military-aristocratic corporation. In addition, etiquette required the knight to constantly take care of his glory, confirming his place in the military-feudal hierarchy, which depended on the number and quality of the victories he won. Generosity was also an indispensable manifestation of nobility, so it was “more decent” to go broke than to be known as a miser: stinginess led to the loss of rank, position, and exclusion from society.
A feature of knightly etiquette was its focus on external manifestations: beauty and attractiveness were specifically noted as knightly virtues. Hence the external shine and attention to rituals, paraphernalia, manners, and symbolism.
The beauty of a knight should have been emphasized by expensive clothes that indicated his social status. Particular attention was paid to accessories - headdresses and gloves, by which the rank of a knight was accurately determined.
The knight was also required to be polite, be able to write or at least read poetry, play a musical instrument and sing. He had to be physically developed (since his armor weighed 60-80 kg).
Important components of the knightly code of honor were the attitude towards the Enemy and the Beautiful Lady. Attitude towards the Enemy was determined by the unconditional requirement of courage. The fear of being suspected of cowardice and lack of courage also dictated the corresponding etiquette forms of behavior of a knight in battle, which were based on respect for the enemy and self-esteem. The main thing for a knight was not victory, but behavior in battle.
So, a knight in armor had no right to retreat; it was impossible to attack the enemy from behind; killing an unarmed enemy covered the knight with shame: the enemy should have been given as equal a chance as possible. It is interesting that many norms of military knightly etiquette subsequently had a significant influence on the formation of modern military etiquette.
It was a kind of religion of the knight loving service, cult of the Beautiful Lady. Love inspired the knight to exploits and ennobled him. To win the favor of his beloved, a knight, according to etiquette, had to demonstrate devotion, selflessness, readiness for self-denial, the ability to control himself, and tame his impulses. This type of love relationship with a Lady presupposed caring and adoration, exquisite courtship and the provision of all kinds of signs of attention. Refined and graciously gallant, it was essentially a form of play in which the participants had to strictly follow the rules of etiquette and the assigned role. But the beauty of etiquette instructions has done its job, and to this day the romantic idea of a chivalrous attitude towards a woman remains, which can serve as a basis for a teacher to form more beautiful relationships between boys and girls.
True, one should not idealize knightly service to a woman. A knight who could fearlessly enter a cage with a lion to prove his love to the Lady of his heart, who could keep her scarf as a pledge of love all his life, etiquette did not deny at the same time the “right of the first wedding night” with a young peasant woman getting married . Going to the Hundred Years' War, he had the right to put a “chastity belt” on his own wife. Etiquette ordered him to sing serenades under the balcony to his Lady, but not only for romantic reasons, but because knights, as a rule, were simply illiterate and could not write a love letter.
The cornerstone of the Code of Knightly Honor is the very concept Honor, which seems to embrace the entire moral code, which states that the soul of a knight belongs to God, life to the King, heart to the Beautiful Lady, but he will not give his Honor to anyone. It is honor that becomes a distinctive feature and the main support in the life of a person of noble knowledge, entrenched in etiquette for centuries.
The laws of honor were strictly followed. There was only one oath that a nobleman could not break - “I swear on honor.” There was only one debt that had to be paid, called the debt of honor - a gambling debt (other debts could not be paid). Even when carrying out an execution, the honor that should be given to the rank and title of the condemned was taken into account.
The sense of honor was so acute that an attempt on her life was considered a mortal insult. True, the damaged honor could be restored. Firstly, a publicly inflicted insult could be publicly taken back, and after an apology the insult was considered as if it had not been inflicted, and the honor of the nobleman did not suffer. Secondly, it was possible to quickly and effectively restore insulted honor with the help of a duel. Thirdly, if a duel was difficult or undesirable, then the insulted person had every right to act in the same way or even more rudely towards the offender.
In parallel with knightly etiquette (which, by the way, also penetrated into other layers of society) was formed court etiquette , which served even more clearly to isolate the upper strata of society. Was extremely harsh court etiquette of medieval Spain and England. He shackled a person like a metal corset, both literally and figuratively. Special books and treatises appear, teaching what politeness requires of every educated person. These requirements turn simple rules of conduct into 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.
European monarchs did not specifically demand humiliation from their subjects, but visitors granted an audience were required to kneel. This method of expressing respect originated in Spain and later began to be used at the Austrian and English courts. The emperors loved to contemplate such a demonstration of humiliated submission and sought ever new reasons to demand that their subjects kneel. In England, courtiers fell to their knees so often that their trousers were extremely worn out.
In the name of etiquette, people sometimes sacrificed their lives. So, 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.
Court etiquette of Italy and France was much freer. And if during the Middle Ages Spanish etiquette set the tone, then from the 17th-18th centuries. the palm goes to France. The word itself etiquette has been used since the time of Louis XIV, 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. In French, this word has two meanings: a label and a set of rules, a conventional order of behavior. Etiquette was just that behavioral label which indicated a person’s belonging to a certain segment of society. The ability to behave helped to determine “who is who.” Etiquette, strictly regulating every step, was an important attribute of high origin, wealth and power, so for a long time it was generally believed that etiquette was a purely secular, courtly property.
The life of the French (and later not only) court resembled 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. At the same time, etiquette permeated all spheres of life of the upper class, literally regulating the life of the court down to the smallest detail. Members of the monarch's family had to get up at a certain hour, it was precisely indicated who should be present when the monarch was dressed, who should hold and serve clothes, toiletries, etc. Etiquette precisely regulated to what height court ladies of one or another rank could raise their skirts when crossing the threshold. Etiquette prescribed the number and configuration of lines that courtiers had to draw when curtseying.
Etiquette was in the nature of law and had a very strong impact on high society. Violation of etiquette norms was considered a crime. The severity of etiquette of that time can be largely explained by the fact that it served as a specific way of self-preservation for the small upper class. The class hierarchy placed people at different levels of the social ladder, accordingly making different moral demands on them.
Thus, labor was considered the lot of the mob, “mired in sin”: after all, it was labor that was the main punishment for Adam, who committed original sin (“by the sweat of your brow you will earn your daily bread”). People of high birth, close to God (the monarch is “God’s viceroy on earth,” “God’s anointed”), were not only “freed” from labor, but, moreover, it was considered indecent to “dirty” oneself with labor (remember the long sleeves of boyar caftans on Rus' or the carefully grown nails of Chinese mandarins).
Etiquette was a special sign system with the help of which the nobility was separated from “lower” cultures - peasants and townspeople. Etiquette was intended to give a representative of the nobility a sense of his own exclusivity, to cultivate a consciousness of social superiority, thereby allowing him to distinguish people of “his circle” from all others. Representatives of the upper classes were endowed with only “noble” responsibilities, in the light of which the manifestation of contempt for work, commoners, the desire to stand out “among their own” were considered as compliance with the norms of etiquette, which allowed - if not prescribed - the feudal elite in everyday life not to limit themselves in anything, to flaunt in front of each other with luxury of clothes and jewelry, with vassals to behave arrogantly, with peasants - rudely and cruelly. And in this sense, etiquette was really a “label”, a “label”.
At the same time, environments far from the court also had their own forms of communication. True, they were not called etiquette, manners were not polished, but were passed on from generation to generation, as a result of which each layer of society strictly observed its own rules of behavior. Only in a “simple” environment did they usually have a more natural character, and in a secular environment they had a refined, refined, artificial character.
Thus, etiquette was a complex, detailed and ramified system of norms and rules, often multi-valued and confusing, which was impossible to master without special training. External good manners, aristocracy, courtesy, mannerisms, the ability to behave in society - this was specially taught (not only bows and curtsies, but even the art of “making eyes” and gluing “flies”). However, not everyone was taught, but only a select few. And good manners become a sign of superiority and enlightenment of the nobility.
The complexity of training necessitated the need for special manuals and manuals. And such sources appeared.
The first known treatise on behavior - “Discipline clericalis” was written by the Spanish priest Pedro Alfonso back in 1204. Later, manuals on etiquette began to be published on the basis of this book in England, Holland, and France. One of the most popular foreign books of the past dedicated to noble etiquette is “Letters to a Son” by F. Chesterfield. These letters, which were written almost every day for many years by a caring father, trying to convey his rich experience to his son, outline the subtlest and most detailed tactics of behavior in society. This book once again confirms that etiquette is the child of its era and environment.
Enlighteners of the 18th century. They considered court etiquette as a means of power, stratification, and even greater separation from the people. J.-J. Rousseau condemned not only court etiquette and salon manners, but also secular forms of politeness in general. It is not surprising that during the French Revolution, noble etiquette was publicly rejected as hypocritical, unnatural and exaggerated. Robespierre, expressing general sentiments, called for replacing good manners with good people, honor with honesty, decency with duties, and the tyranny of fashion with the power of reason. A wonderful wish, but this radicalism, unfortunately, became the starting point for the abolition of etiquette altogether.
For example, the respectful address “You” was replaced by the address “citizen” and “you”; when greeting, there was no need to remove the headdress, etc. The famous address of the guard officer leading King Louis XVI to the scaffold went down in history: “Perhaps to execution, citizen king!”
Oddly enough, 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. Moreover, it is known that Napoleon, for example, personally worked on the development of a new coronation ceremony for his wife Josephine.
Bourgeois etiquette, in comparison with the aristocratic one, was outwardly more natural, more practical and simpler. This especially applies to American etiquette.
One of the first American instructions on etiquette - “One Hundred and Ten Rules of Decent Behavior” by D. Washington included the following: “don’t scratch yourself at the table, don’t pick your teeth with a fork, don’t crush fleas in public, otherwise you will become extremely stupid in the houses of the powerful.” this." Prominent writer and politician of the 18th century. B. Franklin, who developed the philosophy of success, proclaimed: “Time is money!”, “A rich table leaves a meager will!” and other principles significant for American etiquette.
And today, most modern American books on etiquette have a clearly defined practical character, they teach those communication techniques that should help you make a career, find the right friends, husband, etc.
True, in American etiquette this was not always and not always the case. The norms described above were characteristic mainly of the Yankees - “northern commoners” and were only gradually accepted by all Americans as norms of pragmatic etiquette. The “southerner” aristocrats initially despised the rude manners of their northern compatriots and were terribly proud of their refined manners. Remember how in Gone with the Wind Mammy instructed young Scarlett: “A real lady”... And it took a war between the North and the South for American behavior to take on a modern democratic look.
Etiquette as one of the cultural phenomena is far from clear-cut. And today, progressive-minded people strive to ensure that their behavior does not contradict humanistic norms and ideals; business people use good manners as an additional (and important!) means in the art of making a career, money, without worrying much about the moral side of their behavior.
Changing historically, etiquette continues to carry socially demarcating nature. At the same time, its national characteristics.
From the history of Russian etiquette
Slavic customs, norms and rules of behavior are mentioned already in the first written sources. In The Tale of Bygone Years, the chronicler says that “the tribes had their own customs and laws and legends, and each had its own character. The Polyans have the custom of their fathers, meek and quiet, bashful before their daughters-in-law and sisters, mothers and parents.” At the beginning of the 12th century. Prince Vladimir Monomakh compiled a “Teaching to Children,” in which he called for work, doing good, taming anger and having “an honest soul, a temperate tongue”; “to be silent with elders, to listen to wise men, to obey elders, to be in love with equals and younger ones, conversing without evil meaning, but to think more, not to be furious with words, not to condemn with speech, not to laugh a lot.”
In the era of Ivan IV, a set of rules of conduct “Domostroy” appeared, which was quite consistent with the mores of the era. “Domostroy” proclaimed sole power in the family of a formidable ruler - the owner of the house, the father, who sternly kept the family under his control in obedience, “in all punishment and fear of God.”
The owner was ordered to flog his wicked wife with a whip and crush the ribs of his disobedient son. The book described not only internal family routines and ways to resolve economic issues, but also contained rules of conduct - how to visit, what to talk about. “Domostroy” teaches “not to steal, not to lie, not to slander, not to envy, not to judge, not to devour, not to mock, not to remember evil, not to be angry with anyone. Be obedient and submissive with the big ones, lovingly with the middle ones, friendly and merciful with the smaller and wretched ones.”
The way of life in Russia began to change dramatically in the era of Peter I, who decisively introduced new etiquette, forcing people to abandon the old way of life, boyar fur coats and manners. The rules of conduct he introduced - politesse- prescribe how to arrange assemblies, which all nobles should gather to socialize, what clothes to wear, how to keep their bodies clean, how to organize a feast. Thus, the great reformer introduced the upper classes of Russian society to the forms of treatment accepted in Europe.
In 1717, a book on etiquette, “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Indications for Everyday Conduct, Collected from Various Authors,” was published. The book instructs: “It is better when they say about someone: he is polite, a humble gentleman and a fine fellow, than when they say about someone: he is an arrogant fool.” The book contains a variety of rules: “do not blow your nose or sneeze loudly,” “do not clean your nose with a finger,” “do not move your hands on the table,” “do not shake your legs.”
In the novels of A. Tolstoy “Peter 1”, Y. German “Young Russia”, in the film “How Tsar Peter Married a Blackamoor” and in other works of art, the struggle between the old and the new is reliably reproduced through a change in etiquette norms and forms of behavior. We will learn how over-aged boyar offspring learned to read and write and basic hygiene, how the sleeves and hems of their parents’ caftans were cut off, how fathers of families and their wives suffered, clumsily pulling on hated wigs, how beards were forcibly shaved - “hairy adornment”, permission to wear which was issued only a few of the boyars, and only after paying a special tax.
Peter 1 paid special attention to the organization of assemblies - meetings that opened in the evenings in noble houses according to the established procedure, for “entertainment, or for reasoning and friendly conversations.” Here, representatives of the noble and merchant classes were supposed to meet with foreigners and adopt their forms of politeness and clothing, “here you can see each other and talk about every need, as well as listen to what is happening.” Peter I personally drew up the rules for organizing assemblies and the behavior of guests at them, and established a strict order of convening them. The largest room in the house was used as a dance hall, where Western European dances were performed. In the neighboring rooms they played chess and checkers. Gambling (cards and dice) was prohibited under penalty of whipping. One room was intended for smoking: Peter I himself constantly smoked a pipe and suggested following his example. He even allowed the sale of tobacco, until then prohibited in Russia. Women were also required to participate in the assemblies. Peter 1 put an end to their reclusive life. They emerged from the chambers into the light. The older generation condemned this, regretting the lost respectable morals of the old days.
The assemblies played a positive role in the cultural development of Russia by opening up a new form of communication between people. In the pre-Petrine era, people lived in seclusion, their meetings were predominantly of an economic, business or family nature. The assemblies destroyed this isolation and significantly expanded the circle of communication, making the latter more liberated. Etiquette in Russia at this time was formed according to Western models, acquiring a secular, open character, and even some features of democracy.
Thus, the rules of behavior at assemblies presupposed the observance of equality and freedom, although understood in a rather unique way: the equality of men and women, people of different ages and ranks was taken into account mainly when assigning penalties, and freedom of behavior at assemblies was overshadowed by the fact that, after all, , it was a service, entertainment as a duty. This gave some specificity to Russian etiquette compared to European.
In the post-Petrine era, when boyar morals had already been overcome, a way of life in the Western European manner was truly established in Russia. Noble etiquette of the 18th century. It is distinguished by its special splendor, luxury, class isolation, and the predominance of the playful, formal side. The imperial court becomes the legislator of etiquette.
The abundance and luxury of the Russian court amazed even the French, who were accustomed to the splendor of the Versailles court. To be in good standing at the royal court, huge expenses were required on dresses, jewelry, carriages, etc. The nobility, especially its highest layers, erected magnificent palaces, parks, triumphal arches, and spent enormous amounts of money in order to emphasize their high position. Things raised prestige and served as a “label.”
The class character of etiquette intensified, which manifested itself, in particular, in the strict regulation of the style of clothing that one or another class had to adhere to.
In accordance with the “Table of Ranks,” a decree was issued allowing only ladies of the first five classes to wear silk, brocade or lace. Those belonging to the third class could wear clothes made of velvet or fabric that cost no more than three rubles per arshin. Those without rank were prohibited from wearing velvet. At court, women were not allowed to wear black dresses. During receptions, ladies had to appear at the palace in so-called uniform dresses specially tailored for this purpose.
The influence of Western European, especially French, culture on Russian life and morals has increased significantly. French boarding houses, fashionable shops and stores opened, French milliners, hairdressers, and tutors appeared. The “Frenchization” of the nobility was especially noticeable during the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna. The French language became an integral part of Russian culture among the nobility, maintaining a noble etiquette distance in relation to other classes. Etiquette is becoming more and more “marked” (in the words of Yu. M. Lotman). It permeates all spheres of life of the nobility, regulating certain forms of their behavior. The ego was especially evident at the numerous lavish balls and masquerades that replaced Peter the Great's assemblies.
An example of this is the importance attached to the fan in etiquette. A fan was a mandatory item of ladies' clothing, helping to hide indecent laughter, whisper a word to a neighbor without anyone hearing, etc.
During the reign of Empress Anna, holidays became even more magnificent and varied. Ignorance of dance was considered a serious flaw in education. At balls they no longer played chess and checkers, but cards, which came into fashion under Anna Ioanovna and quickly and dangerously spread among the nobility. Despite strict measures against players (the police received the right to enter the house where the game was being played and take the players into custody), gambling continued, which entailed ruin, waste of government money, suicide, etc.
True, new rules of life and etiquette were introduced and prevailed mainly in the upper strata of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Among the small provincial nobles and merchants, they acquired a secondary character, adapted to local living conditions, relating to the external, formal side of life.
This caricature-imitative nature of etiquette is superbly demonstrated by N.V. Gogol in “Dead Souls” using the example of Chichikov, Korobochka, Nozdryov, the Manilovs and other representatives of the small nobility. The wealthy merchants, imitating the nobility in manners, behavior, and everyday life, also furnished everything in the latest fashion: in the kitchen - a cook, in the reception room - a footman, at the entrance - an elegant carriage. Merchant etiquette, the essence of which, in the words of II.A. Dobrolyubov, consisted of the tyranny of the strong, the affectation of women, the servility and servility of the weak, appears before us in the plays of A.N. Ostrovsky.
At the same time, by the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century. From among the Russian merchants, not just educated, literate people began to emerge, but also excellent connoisseurs of culture and art, becoming patrons of the arts. The children of educated merchants begin to receive a classical education, learn the rules of good manners and social etiquette. A special category of the urban population appears - the burghers, i.e. urban (local) “philistines” - small traders, office workers, servants, etc. It developed its own code of conduct, reflecting the peculiarities of the social status of the people of this environment.
A petty bourgeois was a person forced to engage in wage labor and at the same time striving to “get out among the people,” leave the bourgeois class, and become rich. Etiquette in the bourgeois environment served as a kind of elevator, with the help of which one could rise above one’s actual position in society. Therefore, the townspeople sought to imitate their masters in everything, to copy their lifestyle, manners, and external attributes of culture.
The caricatured, ugly forms of behavior of the bourgeoisie, with their general cultural underdevelopment, led to the fact that the very concept of “philistine” (“philistinism”, “philistine etiquette”, “philistine tastes”) became a household name, carrying in itself a negative and dismissive connotation of lack of spirituality, lack of culture and etc.
At the same time, as the cultural antithesis of the bourgeois, a type of intellectual is being formed in society - an educated, enlightened person who carries within himself the best progressive features, ideals and values of his era. Among the intelligentsia, they developed their own canons of beautiful, decent, worthy behavior, their own code of etiquette, which excluded attention to everything external, superficial.
Democracy, indifference to expensive jewelry and clothing, and the presence of at least a small library created the lifestyle of an intelligent person. For him, the main thing was not the external impression made in society, not manners themselves (although they were given their due), but the moral, spiritual, personal principle. It is no coincidence that dignity, a quality that emphasizes the self-worth of an individual, becomes the leading one among moral values.
The October Revolution “abolished” etiquette along with many other cultural achievements of the past. Moreover, adherence to the norms of etiquette became dangerous, because it testified to good manners, education, culture and therefore could give away an undesirable - non-worker-peasant origin. Under these conditions, for one’s own safety, it was better to abandon the basic norms of politeness and decency, forget about them and not teach them to children.
In the memoirs and artistic works of witnesses of this era, we will find many bitter pages about how representatives of the Russian intelligentsia and nobility had to hide the “etiquette” - the “labelness” of their behavior. This is narrated in “Doctor Zhivago” by B. Pasternak, and in “The Vanquished” by I. Golovkina (Rimskaya-Korsakova) and in other books.
This situation could not but affect the general level of behavior and observance of politeness standards: people began to “forget” to use a handkerchief, dress neatly, and use “magic” words - “thank you” and “please”. But rudeness and rudeness became peculiar symbols (“labels”?) of “our” way of life.
Those who dared to follow the norms of politeness or dress too carefully (wear a tie, hat, use makeup, dance European dances) were ridiculed, accused of philistinism, or, what was even more dangerous, of adherence to the Western way of life and cosmopolitanism.
Etiquette was “rehabilitated” in the eyes of public opinion in the Soviet era only in the 60s - the years of the “Thaw”, when international relations began to be established and therefore it was necessary to urgently teach people the rules of behavior, so as not to “disgrace themselves” in front of the world community . Then the first “legal” books on “Soviet etiquette” appeared, thanks to which the reader was able to get acquainted with the rules of behavior accepted in our time throughout the world.
Features of modern etiquette
Acquaintance with the history of etiquette culture in Europe, America and Russia allows us to draw some general conclusions regarding modern etiquette. History confirms that etiquette indeed contains those features that we previously noted as integral.
Clearly manifested cultural-historical the nature of etiquette: it clearly changes over time and with the development of culture. Thus, the rudeness of the morals of the English nobility of the time of Robin Hood is replaced by the refinement of manners of the French court of Louis XIV; the ascetic monastic appearance and behavior of Spanish ladies is being replaced by the frivolity and frivolity of Parisian fashion, etc.
Traceable class-delimiting nature of etiquette: for different groups of people and in relation to different classes, different rules of behavior are provided. Thus, in secular etiquette, depending on the nobility of the person being greeted, even the depth of the bow for ladies and the number of waves of the hat for gentlemen were regulated.
At all stages of development, etiquette demonstrates its conditionally contractual, conciliatory nature. It does not always look (and is) natural and expedient, and its norms, sometimes pretentious and far-fetched, are the result of conditional “agreements”, unspoken agreements.
These etiquette features are preserved to this day, again corresponding to their time, level of civilization and culture and being supplemented by features associated with the current state of etiquette culture. In our opinion, the main characteristics of the current state of etiquette are its democracy and humanism . How is it shown?
Firstly, an increasing number of people are involved in the field of etiquette; from a set of instructions for the elite, it turns into democratic universal regulator of behavior, regardless of the origin, estate, class, nationality of a person.
Secondly, this means that etiquette loses its “labeling”: from now on it does not divide people, but, on the contrary, unites them, making the same demands on everyone. Its “label” function is preserved only in terms of cultural and educational differences- it remains an indicator of a person’s level of education, allowing one to immediately see and recognize “one of our own” - like a signal from Mowgli: “You and I are of the same blood, you and I.”
Thirdly, etiquette is becoming less authoritarian and more humanistic, he refuses strict unambiguous instructions for behavior in favor of recommendations and suggestions, which each individual, realizing his essence, from his subjective positions is free (free) to comply or not to comply.
Of course, there are difficulties here. On the one hand, going to the end, we would have to proclaim the right of each individual not only to choose, but also to “create” his own etiquette rules. On the other hand, there is a danger associated with forgetting the truth: “The freedom of each ends where the freedom of another begins.” Can we be sure that the rejection of unambiguous regulation will not lead to the arbitrariness of some, with a rather controversial moral orientation, and their “attack” on the freedom of others?
Fourthly, at the same time, etiquette is increasingly beginning to acquire “instrumental-pragmatic” character, from a conditionally conciliatory whim, he shows a tendency to turn into a kind of means, an instrument for achieving a goal (personal sympathy, business success, social understanding) and thereby becomes objectively necessary.
Fifthly, all of the above trends gradually lead to simplification requirements of etiquette, making them more humane: many of the prescriptions lose their pretentiousness and artificiality, become more natural and appropriate, and therefore more accessible to assimilation and compliance.
True, these changes in etiquette have their costs. Not only is this happening simplification, but also general simplification morals and relationships. Forms of respectful address of people to each other are lost (the notorious “man” and “woman” cannot be considered as such); the simplest forms of politeness and courtesy are forgotten; Basic knowledge about the rules of behavior in public places, transport, and at the table is lost.
At the same time, democracy does not mean reducing the rules of etiquette to the level of ignorance and rudeness, but, on the contrary, the opportunity to raise everyone to the level of requirements modern etiquette culture, which promotes mutual understanding between people, creates friendly, stable relationships. At the modern level, etiquette is beginning to increasingly have a unifying, rather than a dividing character, acting at the same time as a relevant means of achieving goals and success. Therefore, it is in the interests of every person know, understand the need for and comply with basic rules of etiquette, which is the meaning and content etiquette culture . And the teacher can and should help the new generation join it.
