The history of the emergence and development of etiquette

The term "etiquette", known to all, came 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 French King Louis XIV.

The history of this concept originates in France. This is due to the fact that the term was first used precisely at the court of the French king. Before the next social event, special cards were handed out to those invited. The main points of behavior were indicated on them.

Thus appeared the first official code of conduct in a cultural society. Since then, the active development of etiquette in the upper classes began, despite the fact that certain provisions and norms existed in ancient times.

France is universally considered the birthplace of the concept of “etiquette”, however, some experts assert that England is also disputing the position of the parent country of the above phenomenon. Despite the establishment of certain standards of behavior, they could not develop properly due to the harsh and cruel conditions of that time. As a result, morality, morality 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. The state began to observe cultural personal growth. Social essence has become important in society.

In the XV century, European countries began to use personal cutlery. A century later, these attributes became mandatory during dinners. The use of a fork and knife was the impetus for the formation of public European etiquette.

The development and distribution of this effect was especially influenced by the court ritual. There was a need for the post of master of ceremonies, who carefully monitored the implementation of all necessary instructions and instructions.

The rules of etiquette were especially widespread in the Enlightenment. During this period, they moved from the upper strata of the nobility to the rest of the population. The norms have become more simplified and more democratic, compared with manners at court.

The modern meaning of the term has evolved over several centuries and has come down to our time. For example, knights, being in the company of close people, took off their helmets. This clearly demonstrated their confidence. Now men are taking off their hats indoors. They also laid bare their head in greeting to people passing by.

The tradition of shaking hands at a meeting also originates in Europe. People who were equal in age or position shook hands while they kissed a higher person.

Historians track the process of etiquette on the territory of Russia from the pre-Petrine period. Etiquette of that time was significantly different from the manner of Europeans. Foreign citizens often perceived the everyday norms of Russian behavior as something wild and even barbaric.

The Byzantine traditions had a huge impact on the establishment of rules of conduct in Russia. Not only local etiquette was borrowed from this state, but also centuries-old national traditions. They crossed to the Russian lands along with the Christian religion. Despite such changes, it was possible to preserve pagan rites that have come down to the present.

The second factor that changed the usual way of life of the people is the influence of the Mongol-Tatar yoke. Some elements of this culture passed to the lands of Ancient Russia.

Of great importance in society was the position of man. In this sense, the inhabitants of Russia and Western Europe were very similar. Russian people also honored elders.

A special attitude was towards the guests. If an important person came to the house, she was personally met by the landlord on the porch. The younger one by the social ladder and age was already met in the room at home, and the equal was welcomed in the hallway.

Noble persons of that time walked with a special cane. Crossing the threshold of the building, she was left in the hallway. Hats were removed and worn in the hands.

Religion had a tremendous influence on the norms of behavior. Having entered the house, the guests stopped near the icons and were baptized. Then they made three traditional nods to the holy images. Further, guests were supposed to greet the owner with a bow. Close people shook hands and hugs.

As soon as the guests left, they performed almost the same sequence of actions, being baptized and bowing to the image of saints. Then they said goodbye to the owner. Visiting her nose, sneezing and coughing was bad form.

Clothing of Russian men and women during the Middle Ages was not much different. In addition, there was no dimensional grid; all things were free. In the cold season they always wore sheepskin coats, gas covers, fur coats and other warm clothes. Beautiful clothes, decorated with decorative elements, spoke of the high status and prosperity of man. The peasants wore felt boots in the cold, and put on boots to know.

At the beginning of the feast in Russia, the guests wrote a glass of vodka. She needed to be bitten with bread. On the table laid out pre-sliced ​​dishes. Together with them laid cutlery made of precious metals, however, they did not have a practical function. These jewelry testified to the hospitality and wealth of the owner of the house.

The bones were not left on the plate, but stacked in a separate bowl.

In the development of etiquette during the time of Peter I, Western trends began to be intensely introduced. The fashion of Germany, England and Holland also had a significant influence. The behavioral norms of the higher society of that period have substantially changed and changed. Then they switched to ordinary people.

After a while, the influence of the above European states changed to French. At that time, Queen Elizabeth ruled in the state. Tradition, language, fashion and much more passed to the Russian lands.

The social behavior of secular persons has acquired the character of sentimentalism. After 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.

Known to many, the system of chivalry originated in Europe in the XI century. She significantly influenced the formation of European, and later global etiquette. During this period, new rituals and traditions began to appear that literally “absorbed” into society. This is the time of world famous knightly tournaments and feats for the glory of beautiful ladies.

Then the rite of initiation of men into knights appeared. A special ceremony was carried out in connection with the established rules and regulations. Knights come up with their own personal code and strictly follow it. The rules established by this code become binding on warriors. The treatise indicated not only the norms of behavior, but also the style of clothing, and the theme of the symbols used.

In medieval Europe, inequality between men and women was clearly demonstrated. The fair sex had much less rights and freedoms, compared with the men of that time. The patriarchy reigned, and the rights of a strong half of humanity were enshrined in law. This structure was supported by the church.

These limitations influenced the formation of behavioral norms for men and women.

Special rules of etiquette arose as a result of the relations of the knights with their lovers. The man practically became the servant of the lady. He carried out all the whims and whims of the lady of the heart. Such a model of behavior existed even if the woman did not share the feelings of the boyfriend, and love remained unrequited.

To become a knight's beloved lady, a woman had to meet certain standards. She must be outwardly attractive, sociable and inquisitive. The ability to conduct small talk was honored. Relationships were not dependent on marital status

To be considered a real knight, a man must be brave, strong, honest, sincere, hospitable and generous. These and other qualities they showed during battles and numerous tournaments. The knight was obliged to keep his word at all costs.They also held lavish feasts, demonstrating generosity.

The rules of good manners were considered gifts that the knights presented to their ladies. An ideal present is a toilet item (jewelry, comb, scarf and much more). If a man became a winner in a tournament, he would surely give his beloved the horse of the enemy and his weapons as a trophy. The lady had every right to refuse the offering. This spoke of her indifference to the man.

Knights and ladies sometimes vowed to each other. Sometimes they made senseless and stupid things, but they were followed without fail. For example, a man could come up with such conditions: he refused to cut his hair until a certain feat or a significant date.

Representatives of high society should perfectly follow the rules of etiquette. Higher demands were made 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.

In the Enlightenment, the first manuals began to appear, which contained the provisions of the palace ethics. Representatives of the nobility carefully studied the textbooks.

The following points were indicated in the book:

• Basic rules for conducting a conversation.
• The correct daily routine.
• How to behave during various ceremonies and much more.

Due to strict rules, a profession such as a dance teacher has appeared. The teacher taught not only to move correctly, but also introduced students to elegant and sophisticated manners.

Dances of that period were significantly different from what is called dance in modern society. Dominant were not dance movements, but various nods.

Excellent knowledge of the rules of conduct was not only a sign of good taste. Even a minor oversight in this area could lead to undesirable consequences. More often than not, a person lost his status, but there were also cases when they lost their lives for a miss. It all depended on the seriousness of the misconduct and the status of the person who was offended by such behavior. The rights and obligations of each person at court were laws for which no one had the right to go.

In addition to excellent manners, the court was obliged to possess such skills:

1. Possession of a musical instrument.
2. Card games.
3. Dancing.
4. Singing.
5. Drawing.
6. Knowledge of foreign languages.

You can learn more about the history of etiquette from the video below.

In the Soviet era, there was also a certain etiquette. The rules were particularly democratic and simple. They lacked the mannerism and pathos that was inherent in European etiquette. Family and unofficial visits became common.

Instead of secular events characteristic of the 18th-19th centuries, dance floors came. It was at dances that girls most often met guys.