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From the history of etiquette since ancient times. The history of etiquette: the formation of culture

HISTORY OF ETIQUETTE

The culture of communication between people is based on the observance of certain rules that have been developed by man for thousands of years. Since late medieval these rules are called etiquette.

Etiquette (translated from French - label, label) - a set of rules of conduct relating to the external manifestation of a person's relationship to people. This refers to the treatment of others, forms of address and greetings, behavior in public places, manners and clothing.

The conscious cultivation of the rules that determine the external forms of behavior of etiquette, a number of researchers refer to the period of antiquity (Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome). It was at this time that the first attempts at a special teaching of people to beautiful behavior are observed. The very “beautiful behavior” at that time practically coincided with the virtues of ancient man, with his ideas about morality and citizenship. The combination of beautiful and moral was designated by the ancient Greeks by the concept of “kolokagatia” (Greek “ear” - beautiful, “agatos” - good). The basis of kolokatiya was the perfection of both bodily constitution and spiritual and moral warehouse, along with beauty and strength, it contained justice, chastity, courage and reasonableness. In this sense, in antiquity there was no etiquette as a proper external form manifestations of human culture, since there was no opposition between external and internal (ethical and moral).

The main thing for the ancient Greeks was to live wisely, simply according to the precepts of their ancestors and the laws of the state, avoiding excesses and extremes. The most important principles that determined their strategy of behavior were the principles of “reasonableness” and “golden mean”.

The first printed codes of etiquette appeared in the 15th century. in Spain, from where it quickly spread to other Western European countries.

The concept of “etiquette” began to enter the Russian language at the beginning of the 18th century. True, even in the era of Ivan the Terrible, “Domostroy” written by Sylvestor appeared, a kind of code of rules that citizens should be guided by in their behavior and attitude towards secular authorities, the church, etc. But all etiquette was reduced to obedience to the domestic despot, whose will determined the specific rules of behavior for each household member. The unlimited power of the head of the family was a reflection of the same unlimited power along the ascending line - the boyar, governor, tsar.

Etiquette in pre-Petrine Russia assigned a very modest role to women. Before Peter I, a woman rarely appeared between men, and then only for a few minutes. In the turbulent era of Peter I, the way of life of the Russian people changed dramatically. Special guidelines were created for young nobles: they specified in detail how to behave in society. So, in 1717, by order of Peter I, the book “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Punishment for Worldly Treatment, Collected from Different Authors” was published. This book was compiled from numerous Western European codes of civil etiquette. Accordingly, at the court, and then in general with the nobility, some elements of Western European came into use, mainly English etiquette, especially in clothing, in raising children.

In certain periods of history tsarist Russia the abuse of etiquette merged with servile admiration for foreigners, with contempt for national traditions and folk customs.

In the aristocratic Western Europe the severity of court etiquette sometimes led to curious situations. One day, the French king Louis XIII came to talk about business with Cardinal Richelieu when he was ill and could not get out of bed. Then Louis, whose royal dignity could not allow him to talk to a lying subject, sitting or standing, lay down with him. And the Spanish monarch Philip III preferred to burn himself in front of the fireplace, rather than extinguish it himself.

In many countries, court etiquette has been brought in some of its part to obvious absurdity, and sometimes turns into open stupidity. Now it is amusing to read, for example, to what height it was possible for a woman to raise the hem of her dress, crossing the threshold, and ladies of different ranks had an unequal opportunity to show their legs.

The ceremonial of balls, dinners, greetings was especially difficult. royalty. In old chronicles, one could often find descriptions of quarrels and even the outbreak of war due to the violation of some petty rule of etiquette.

In the XVIII century. our mission in China collapsed because the Russian envoy refused to kneel before the emperor in the manner required by the etiquette of the Peking court. In 1804, Adam Krusenstern, who delivered the Russian embassy to Nagasaki with ships, described with indignation the behavior of the Dutch. When a high-ranking Japanese appeared, they bent in an inclination at a right angle, stretching their arms at their sides. After failing to get the Russians to lean in the same manner, the Japanese no longer bothered them in this regard. And again, our ancestors had to leave with nothing because of their unwillingness to observe stupid, in their opinion, rules of etiquette.

For many centuries, each nation has contributed its own specifics, its own national flavor to the development of etiquette. Most of the customs remain national treasure. But some were adopted by other peoples.

From Scandinavia came the custom now accepted all over the world, according to which the most place of honor at the table provide the guest.

In knightly times, it was considered good form for ladies and their gentlemen to sit at the table in pairs. They ate from the same plate and drank from the same glass. This custom has now become a tradition.

Removing the headdress as an etiquette gesture is common mainly in Europe. Muslims, Jews and representatives of some other nations did not bare their heads for etiquette purposes. This distinction has long been recognized among the most remarkable hallmarks European and Eastern peoples. One of the most common medieval Europe plots told how to Ivan the Terrible - the sovereign, known for his cruelty, Turkish ambassadors appeared, who, according to their custom, did not take off their hats in front of him. The sovereign decided to “strengthen” their custom and ordered them to nail their hats to their heads with iron nails.

And yet, a significant part of normal etiquette arose on the basis of universal moral and aesthetic needs. So, the ability to control oneself is the most important feature of etiquette. Indeed, as civilization develops, etiquette turns into one of the forms of curbing the natural instincts and passions of man. Other common norms of etiquette meet the urgent need for cleanliness, tidiness, i.e. in human hygiene. Ethics partially reflects the ancient traditional forms of veneration of the woman, the ancestor. Almost everywhere she was given flowers, wreaths, fruits as a symbol of beauty and fertility. To bare one's head in front of a woman, to stand in her presence, to give way to her and to show her all sorts of signs of attention - these rules were not invented in the era of chivalry, they are manifestations of the ancient cult of a woman.

Since there have been people, they have sought to satisfy not only their simplest needs - to eat, drink, dress, have a roof over their heads. People sought to satisfy them in a form that was considered beautiful and pleasant. A person has never been content with the fact that clothes only warm, and any household item is only needed for something. The pursuit of beauty in life is an essential human need. The rules of etiquette are very specific and aimed at regulating the external form of communication, they give recommendations for behavior in predetermined situations. The rules of etiquette determine how a person communicates with other people, what are his demeanor, gestures, greetings, table manners, etc.

The word "etiquette" has such a long history that the fact where it originates has long been forgotten, and humanity can only guess and speculate 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 refer to 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 be given special cards, or so-called labels. On the labels were written the rules of conduct that all guests, without exception, had to adhere to while on the territory of the royal court. According to one version history of etiquette It began from that 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 is at least five thousand years old.

Ancient and medieval etiquette

It's no secret to anyone that great civilization ancient Rome, creating its own national culture, took the culture of Greece as a basis, due to a kindred militant mentality. Hot temper, intemperance in behavior, the desire to excel others in the luxury of outfits, 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. In the Middle Ages, many countries were characterized by their own unique etiquette. History of etiquette Byzantium is very interesting, as it is distinguished by its pomp and canonicity, thus 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 indigenous people of Europe are still given Japanese etiquette with great difficulty and effort. History of etiquette in Japan is very peculiar and original. Etiquette in this country is very thin and delicate. The main thing in it is taking care 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 in society.

Etiquette overseas

In the United States, the first mention of the rules of conduct in society dates 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 the book of a French monk, dating from 1640, and collected about one hundred and ten Rules of Decent Conduct. Some of them said: "Do not crush fleas on people, do not itch at the table ..." At present, the Institute of Etiquette is open and operates in America, the founder of which is Emilia Post. Her books on etiquette and culture of behavior in society are known and popular not only in America.

Russian etiquette

For a fairly long period of time, the inhabitants of Russia relied on the traditions of Domostroy in their everyday life. This book is the greatest cultural heritage 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 Domostroy 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 advent of Peter I to the Russian throne, in the life of the population Russian Empire European manners began to be actively introduced. To do this, Peter I ordered to republish the famous European book "Youth Honest Mirror". Many of the etiquette rules given in this work have not lost their relevance today.

The history of etiquette is very interesting, and knowledge of it will bring us undoubted benefit.

So I invite everyone to join me in order to learn together the ABC of behavior.

Rules of conduct, as some sometimes think, are not at all invented by a minority in order to torment the majority. They are the result of centuries of development. cultural traditions peoples. What did not stand the test of time was discarded. First of all, those traits that carried elements of arrogance, a dismissive attitude towards ordinary people, went into the past.

In the Middle Ages, for example, it was considered the highest manifestation of nobility and sophistication, when gentlemen sat down with the ladies at the dinner table in pairs, ate from the same plate and drank from the same glass. The rational core of this custom - attention to a woman - has survived to this day, I would like to hope that it will continue to exist. But eating from one plate has already become a tradition of bygone days.

Modern etiquette inherits the best customs of the past, the traditions of behavior of all peoples. Since the time of ancient Rome, the custom of hospitality has come to us. The Scandinavians for the first time introduced into etiquette the rule to give the most honorable place at the table to the most respected guest.

Usually giving symbolic keys to the city to honored guests arose even when city gates were locked at night in European cities. 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 wore weapons on their left side - a saber, sword or dagger. And so that the weapon does not touch the woman, if she is nearby, they stand to the left of her. Weapons are now worn only by the military, but the custom, nevertheless, has been preserved.

There are, however, customs, the origin of which is not easy to ascertain. They pass from generation to generation. For example, the most honored guests are given places in the middle of the table, next to the hosts and or opposite them; the owners always enter the house or apartment first, and then the guests, if they came together. But if they have been preserved unchanged, then it is hardly worth arguing folk wisdom through which they survived. “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 very word "etiquette" came into international use in the 17th century. Once, at a court reception during the reign of the French king Louis XIV, guests were given cards listing some rules of conduct. From their French name came the word "etiquette", later included in the languages of many countries.

The highest circles of the French aristocracy considered the destiny to dictate the elegance of their manners to other European countries. In 1713, a book was published in France listing the rules of etiquette, which was then distributed to many European countries. It was called "The Art of Gallant Conversations, or How to Become a Man with Good Manners."

We also tried to keep up with Russia. Under Peter I, a manual for youth “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Indications for Worldly Behavior” was published three times. In this small book, following the alphabet and numbers, the rules were set out on how to communicate in the world, sit at the table and manage with a fork and knife, and what posture to take when bowing. Etiquette was considered part of general education.

Etiquette at that time was amused by the court nobility, foreign ambassadors and envoys flaunted.

The Russian Empress Catherine II forced the 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 demanded "to speak moderately and not very loudly, so that the ears and head of others who are there do not get sick." It was further prescribed: “Do not endure quarrels from the hut, and what goes into one ear would go out into 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, the 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 denounced the manners of high society. And his Tatyana Larina stood out for her simple and modest manners among the deadening etiquette of high society. She was slow

Not cold, not talkative

Without an arrogant look for everyone,

No claim to success

Without these little antics

No imitations...

Everything is quiet, just was in it.

And here are the tips written over three hundred years ago by the great Czech humanist Jan Amos Comenius. His Rules of Conduct, compiled for youth in 1653, are still read with great interest.

Some rules have not lost their relevance and now, so I want to give them in full:

“—consider all comrades in the study as friends and brothers;

- do not enter into a fight because of anything, with the exception of the sciences, but even in this case do not start disputes and hostile antics, but compete with diligence;

- if possible, it is better to give favors than to receive them;

- do not chase after praise, but try your best to act laudably;

- when meeting with someone, greet him; in front of respected persons, even bare your head, give way to them and testify to them your respect with a bow.

And here's another one important advice Comenius: “To stop with someone, to stare at a stranger is considered indecent.” Sometimes our children “eat” through the eyes of a stranger. They, of course, are driven by simple curiosity, and not by the 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 a faux pas. And sometimes even perceived as an insult.

But what conditions, according to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, should be satisfied by educated people.

"They respect human personality, and therefore always condescending, polite, compliant ...

They don't riot over a hammer or a missing rubber band; living with someone, they do not do a favor out of this, and when they leave, they do not say: “It is impossible to live with you!”.

They forgive noise, and cold, and overcooked meat, and sharpness, and the presence of strangers in their homes ...

They are compassionate not only to beggars and cats. They are sick of the soul and because you can’t see with a simple eye ...

They respect other people's property, and therefore pay their debts.

They are sincere and afraid of lies, like fire. They do not lie even in trifles. A lie is offensive to the listener and vulgarizes the speaker in his eyes.

They are not drawn. They keep themselves in the street just as they do at home, do not throw dust in the eyes of the smaller brethren ...

They are not talkative and do not go out with frankness when they are not asked ... Out of respect for other people's ears, they are more often silent.

They do not humiliate themselves in order to arouse sympathy in another.

They do not play on the strings of other people's souls, so that in response they sigh and coddle with them.

They don't say, "They don't understand me!" or “I exchanged for a small coin!..”, because all this has a cheap effect, it’s vulgar, old and false ...

They are not busy. They are not interested in such false diamonds as acquaintance with celebrities ... True talents always sit in the dark, in the crowd, away from the exhibition ... If they have talent in themselves, then they respect him. They sacrifice peace, women, wine, vanity for him...”

Here you are, please, but nothing has changed. Neither in form nor in content.

The main thing is that while observing the details of etiquette, we should not forget about a sincere, hospitable and kind attitude towards people. After all, if all the little things of etiquette are not supported by internal upbringing and high morality, then it is unlikely that etiquette will be of much use to people around us.

The history of etiquette: the formation of culture

When, in 1793, Queen Marie Antoinette of France was led to the guillotine to be executed, she stepped on the foot of the executioner. Despite the drama of the situation, she said: "I'm sorry, it happened by accident." Even before her death, the queen complied with the rules of decency and apologized for the oversight, as required by etiquette. It is no coincidence that the history of the emergence of etiquette is the process of the formation of the culture of society as a whole and each of its representatives.

European traditions

According to some reports, the word "etiquette" first appeared in France, during the reign of Louis XIV, when at receptions all guests were given "labels" telling them how to behave. However, certain rules of conduct as part of common culture existed long before that. So, for example, already at feasts early medieval(despite the fact that there were no cutlery and napkins in the usual sense) it was important who was sitting closest to the owner, who was served first, and so on.

Individual cutlery appeared in Europe in the 15th century, and in the 16th century it became mandatory to use a fork and knife for eating, which is the beginning of the formation of European etiquette. A noticeable influence on the design of the rules of conduct is exerted by a complex court ritual, which was sometimes so confusing that it was necessary to introduce the position of master of ceremonies, who monitored the implementation of all prescriptions. So, for example, the list of persons who could be present when dressing the monarch, accompany him on walks, and so on was regulated.

With the advent of the Enlightenment, the rules of etiquette not only spread everywhere, but also became more democratic, in contrast to court ceremonies. Many of them have survived to this day. So, the knights took off their helmets while in the company of friends - and thus demonstrated trust and disposition. Subsequently, the nobles began to take off or raise their hats as a sign of greeting - this rule is still relevant today.

The requirement of etiquette, according to which the younger in position or age should not stretch out his hand first, also originates in modern Europe, when it was customary to shake hands only with an equal, while for a superior - only kiss. Many of the rules of etiquette that were formed in Europe later formed the basis of the diplomatic protocol, the observance of which is mandatory at the present time.

Russian features

The spread of etiquette in Russia begins in the era of Peter I. Before that, the privileged classes were guided exclusively by Domostroy, a set of rules written by the priest Sylvester in the middle of the 16th century. They ordered to unconditionally observe the authority of the head of the family, who was to severely punish the children and wife for offenses and disobedience.

Peter I, striving to make Russia a European power, introduced completely different rules, eradicating the patriarchal house-building orders. 1717 - the time of the publication of the book "Honest Mirror of Youth", which outlined the basics of the behavior of young people of the nobility. So, for example, an educated nobleman should have known foreign languages, speak beautifully, treat elders with respect, and so on.

Peter paid special attention secular life- in particular, the organization of balls (at the beginning of the 18th century they were called assemblies). The emperor personally drew up the rules for their conduct. So, in winter they began in the sovereign's palace, and ended in the house of the chief police chief, and in the summer they took place in summer garden. At the same time, the largest room was reserved for dancing, and the neighboring rooms were equipped for playing checkers and smoking pipes. The task of the owner of the house was quite simple - providing a room and providing drinks.

European traditions in the formation of rules of conduct intensified in the 18th and XIX centuries. Each class was assigned a certain style of dress, French becomes obligatory, as well as bows and curtsies. One of milestones in the life of a woman there was a presentation to the imperial court. This honor was awarded to the wives of state councilors and generals. Moreover, not only the presentation procedure was signed, but also the women's toilet. So, the dress had to be silk, and if the ceremony took place in the evening, then with short sleeves and a neckline.

Many rules of etiquette were forgotten in Soviet time, some survived, but became more democratic. However, any interaction between people involves the fulfillment of certain conventions, without knowing which it is impossible to consider oneself a polite and well-mannered person.

The word "etiquette" appeared under King Louis XIV in France. At one of the magnificent receptions of the king, all those invited were given cards with rules of conduct that guests must follow. These cards are called "labels". Hence the concept of "etiquette" - good manners, good manners, the ability to behave in society.

According to some reports, the word "etiquette" first appeared in France, during the reign of Louis XIV, when at receptions all guests were given "labels" telling them how to behave. However, certain rules of conduct as part of a common culture existed long before that. So, for example, already at the feasts of the early Middle Ages (despite the fact that there were no cutlery and napkins in the usual sense) it was important who was sitting closest to the host, who was served first, and so on.

The custom of giving symbolic keys to the city to honored guests arose even when city gates were locked at night in European cities. And the highest sign of respect and trust in the guest was to hand him the keys to these gates.

For example, 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 weapons on their left sides - a saber, a sword or a dagger. And so that the weapon does not touch the woman, if she is nearby, they stand to the left of her. Weapons are now worn only by the military, but the custom has nevertheless been preserved.

Initially, the rules of etiquette were uniform and simultaneously regulated legal, economic, family, religious, moral and ethical relations. All members of the community obeyed them. Thus, etiquette did not act independently in ancient times, separately from other rules governing public life primitive collective, but represented part of these rules. Of course, all these rules were unwritten.

Over time, not only everyday etiquette appeared, but also political. He regulated the life of society: relations with other states. The Egyptian pharaohs, in particular Ramses and the Tetta king Hattushil the Third, concluded a written peace treaty in 1273, engraved on a silver plate. It is possible that political written etiquette appeared earlier than others.

Great importance was attached to interstate affairs in Ancient Egypt. The negotiations were held in a solemn atmosphere, in accordance with a huge number of rules and complex rituals. Over time, ambassadors appeared as representatives of states. IN Ancient Greece ambassadors wore special wands, which testified to their representative mission, the "wands of Hermes." On the top of the rod, entwined with laurel, were attached the wings of birds and two interlaced knots. The knots symbolized quickness and cunning, and the wings - maneuverability and mobility.

IN Ancient Rome political etiquette was further developed. Festivities were held in honor of foreign ambassadors. .

In the Middle Ages, rich in all sorts of treatises, it was not without a treatise on behavior, something that was required of every educated person. Later, court etiquette appeared, written by the Spaniard Petrous Alforonsi.

After French Revolution court etiquette was significantly revised, for example, the previously accepted appeal to “you” was canceled, everyone should only say “you”.

In Germany, Erasmus of Rotterdam wrote the rules for children "Citizenship of Children's Customs".

Etiquette like social phenomenon originated in the time of King Louis XIV. Here, for the first time at the reception, "label" cards were offered with the content of the rules of conduct at the king's reception. The cards indicated: the time of the reception, the place at the table, the uniform, as well as the behavior at the official part.

The rules of etiquette were so strict that even the monarch himself had no right to violate them. Here is a historical fact. The Spanish king Philip III was sitting near the fireplace. Some of the firewood that had been occupied fell to the floor. The courtier, who was obliged to watch the fireplace, was not in place. The king did not allow any of the courtiers to put a damper. For the king himself to do this meant violating the rules of etiquette and his royal honor. The flames engulfed the clothes. From the burns received, King Philip III soon died.

Time determined the rules of etiquette. Etiquette soon becomes synonymous with chivalry. With his needs for kindness, tact, decency, hospitality, adoration of a woman. A special page in the history of etiquette is occupied by the phenomenon of chivalry in the Middle Ages. Knights are a privileged social stratum in the countries of Western and Central Europe.

In the acts of chivalry, highly moral ideals were manifested: concern for orphans, weak widows, admiration for a woman and protection of her honor. The greatest value for a knight is the preservation of his honor. Classic look knight embodied in literary hero Don Quixote.

In Rus', the reins of etiquette come from ancient times. Custom, row, i.e. etiquette itself, speaking French, existed in military affairs, in hunting and artel trades, in the family hearth, at all kinds of sacrifices, festivities, family dinners, feasts ... Priest, sorcerer, sorcerer are synonymous words. The word priest was chosen for the naming of the pagan clergy, since it indicated more clearly than others the burning of sacrificial offerings. Moreover, the fire, the hearth - among the Slavs is a god devouring wood, constantly eating. And therefore, the one who performs the sacrament at a special sacrifice to God is a priest.

Keepers of the rules of conduct, rituals, etc. In ancient times, in all countries, there were elders, priests, in Rus' - ritualists, sorcerers or a householder - a fireman.

In the Russian noble society of the Russian Empire, etiquette consisted of the rules of the royal courts. European countries and was imitative. What was done in Paris on the Champs-Elysées was happening in St. Petersburg on Neva Avenue, and in Moscow on Tverskoy Boulevard. In etiquette, the external indicative side prevailed.

The career of a young Russian nobleman was ensured by the ability to behave in a secular society, the art of which he mastered in the cadet corps. Women are at the Institute of Noble Girls. A secular person was obliged to jealously adhere to her honor, to give a resolute rebuff to an attempt to humiliate her dignity. However, in the code of honor, a nobleman was required to be condescending towards people of the lower stratum - maids, cooks, grooms.

There were rules of etiquette in peasant families. The main rule of life and behavior common man in the countryside - honest productive labor in native land. .

For more than two centuries, the privileged society of tsarist Russia and Ukraine was guided by a set of rules of conduct collected in a book under the capacious title - "Domostroy". The book was written by the priest Siliverst in the era of Ivan IV (XVI century). Domostroy contributed to the development of etiquette rules among the Russian and Ukrainian nobility. An example of secular behavior for the nobles was the imperial court. Splendor, impressiveness, wealth personified the nobility of a nobleman.

The rules of "Domostroy" contained advice on behavior in the family, village, city, in the state as a whole. They also covered the upbringing of children, housekeeping, cooking, receiving guests, wedding rituals.

In Domostroy, the role of parents was also determined. The sole power in the family belongs to the father. He is its owner, has unlimited rights: he can slash a crafty wife with a whip; for sins severely punish the son. As you can see, part of the rules of life carries a routine. However, "Domostroy" appeared as an encyclopedia of the domestic life of wealthy families in Russia in the 17th-18th centuries.

Etiquette began to be fixed in writing in Roman manuscripts, for example, in Homer's Odyssey. About the culture of behavior in society, at the table, how to dress, talk, drink and meet women, Ovid brilliantly wrote in his poetic poem The Art of Loving. Over time, political etiquette appeared. The influence of the church on etiquette has always been palpable. Italy is considered the birthplace of secular etiquette. Until the 16th century, Russia was in principle isolated, although some innovations in etiquette from Western countries reached her.

Written rules of conduct in Rus' were published in the book "Rules of Conduct" in 1204. How to behave in life, Prince Vladimir Monomakh told his sons (“Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh”).

In 1717, by order of Peter I, the book “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or a Show for Worldly Ways, Collected from Various Authors” was published. By decree of Peter I, it was reprinted three times.

In the 1920s, a persistent etiquette nihilism was established in the Soviet country to the rules of decency and secular communication. The book Domostroy, as a book of petty-bourgeois morality, was discarded. The gallantry of men towards women was condemned; critical attitude to fashionable clothes, wearing a tie, hat, jewelry. Further, the handshake, as a form of greeting, was cancelled.

It took years to return to the norms of communication and good manners. Etiquette in society began to perform a socio-cultural function, contained the features of national culture.

All the numerous rules of good manners and codes of conduct reflect in their own way different eras, the moral views of the ruling classes, the social formations that have gone into the past.

Peter paid special attention to secular life - in particular, the organization of balls (at the beginning of the 18th century they were called assemblies). The emperor personally drew up the rules for their conduct. So, in winter they began in the sovereign's palace, and ended in the house of the chief police chief, and in the summer they took place in the Summer Garden. At the same time, the largest room was reserved for dancing, and the neighboring rooms were equipped for playing checkers and smoking pipes. The task of the owner of the house was quite simple - providing a room and providing drinks. European traditions in the formation of rules of conduct intensified in the 18th and 19th centuries. Each estate was prescribed a certain style of dress, the French language became mandatory, as well as bows and curtsies. One of the important stages in the life of a woman was the introduction to the imperial court. This honor was awarded to the wives of state councilors and generals. Moreover, not only the presentation procedure was signed, but also the women's toilet. So, the dress had to be silk, and if the ceremony took place in the evening, then with short sleeves and a neckline. Many rules of etiquette were forgotten during the Soviet era, some were preserved, but became more democratic. However, any interaction between people involves the fulfillment of certain conventions, without knowing which it is impossible to consider oneself a polite and well-mannered person. .

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