Etiquette. Rules and norms of behavior

The way a person behaves in society, interacts with the environment, speaks about his culture of behavior.

And to hold yourself decently in a particular situation, you need to know the basics of etiquette as well as possess high moral qualities. 

Why follow traditions and etiquette? When did the concept of etiquette arise? What is useful in this information for modern times? Let's consider further.

Table of Content

• The meaning and establishment of traditions and etiquette
• The history of the appearance of the label
• Our attitude to traditions and rules

The meaning and establishment of traditions and etiquette

Traditions are an important guide in building a new world culture. It is essential for us to create such norms that would help us develop the right attitude and promote our spiritual growth. 

Ethics is the practical embodiment of true love. These are the rules in our society that allow us to communicate with each other in the most beautiful and correct way. These are not promises to each other, but what is accepted by everyone. This is common everywhere. Thanks to this, a single nation comes from families. True etiquette is such behavior and habits that help all families together create a single world family. 

Etiquette is needed to improve yourself and your family. Our personal perfection means becoming Godlike in character and showing love and respect in our relationships with people. Etiquette is the door. Through them, you can express yourself and perceive others. 

The history of the appearance of the label

In the West

Etiquette (fr. étiquette, label, inscription): norms and rules that show ideas about the proper behavior of people in society. In its modern form and meaning, the word was first used at the court of King Louis XIV of France, when guests were handed cards (labels) with an explanation of how they should behave. Although certain norms and rules of behavior have existed since ancient times. 

It is traditionally believed that England and France are the originator countries of etiquette. But the way of life in these countries at that time was such that in these harsh and rough conditions, a person could not improve in his spiritual and moral endeavors. Certain moral rules and manners of behavior originated around the 14th century in Italy, where already at that time the social essence and culture of the individual began to take one of the first places.

And what about Ukraine? The concept of rules of conduct in our lands was born in the days of Kyivan Rus. At that time, education was given great importance. Yes, in 1117 Prince Volodymyr Monomakh wrote “Teaching” for children and adults. The Grand Duke believed that education depends not on individual instructions but on the educational tools themselves, among which he singled out etiquette and good manners. 

On East

In China, Confucius (551-479 BC) is considered the founder of the doctrine of “li” (“ritual” or “etiquette”). A “noble man” had to behave with dignity, that is, without violating the accepted rules and ancient rituals. Negligence in clothing, headdresses, food, and communication with people was unacceptable. Differences in clothing, behavior, and even the appearance of housing were conditioned by a person's position in society and official hierarchy and were strictly regulated. Due to disrespectful behavior, they were often punished with death. 

Japanese society, even modern, is characterized by a very complex etiquette that comes from the depths of centuries and is due to the hierarchical structure of Japanese society. Its formation was influenced by both Confucianism and Shintoism—the national religion and ideology of the Japanese, which cultivates the veneration of the Emperor. It was on their basis that in the Kamakura era (1192-1333), the code of warrior honor and feudal loyalty arose—”Bushido, that is, “the way of the warrior,” which defines the foundations of morality and behavior of the martial law prevailing in Japan. 

After the Meiji Restoration (1868), the Bushido code became the basis of national morality. While Japan perceived the achievements of European science and technology with brilliant speed, the state took care of the preservation of traditional morality and ethics and the education of the national spirit in the youth. Emperor Meiji himself (on the throne from 1868 to 1912) attached special importance to the moral improvement of the new generation of Japanese in the system of traditional Japanese ethnic values. 

On the personal instructions of the emperor, his mentor, and educator Baron Motoda Nagazene (1818-1891) created an “excerpt of Japanese ethics” intended for the education of young people under the title “Guide for Schoolchildren”. The foundations of traditional morality were formed there,  such as behavior corresponding to filial respect, loyalty, obedience, loyalty and debt, team spirit, diligence, purposefulness, decency, modesty, impartiality, and conscientiousness. The upbringing of traditional moral norms took place and is taking place, however, not only and not so much in school, but in the family and the cruel hierarchical structure of society. 

Etiquette in Korean society is determined by both national tradition and the strong influence of Confucian ethics. Confucianism began to spread in Korea in ancient times because Korea is near China.

The last Korean dynasty, Joseon (11392–19010), attached special importance to the spread of Confucian ethics and rituals in the family and society. The state strictly obeyed the rules of Confucian virtue. The ideological principles of Confucian teachings were studied in special schools and universities.

It is Confucian morality and ethics, based on hierarchical relations in society and the family, that continue to maintain their leading role to this day. Although in modern society, the strictness of prohibitions and restrictions has weakened significantly. A certain influence on Korean etiquette was made by the long half-century of division of the country, which led to thisolation and the development of its two parts, the North and the South. 

Our attitude toward traditions and rules

The most important condition for carrying out any tradition is our heart with which we do it, not the external form of the tradition. Our attitude is significant, not the ritual itself. 

That love of parents could last forever; there must be someone to inherit their tradition. Naturally, parents' heirs are their children. We must raise our children in such a way that they become the heirs of such a tradition. Furthermore, we need a way to improve it so that it has even more value. Each generation must recognize the importance of the existing tradition and inherit it and develop it in the direction of the future. 

You cannot think, “This is only now; everything will be better in the future.” You have to be perfect now; the present is the problem. When the past and present are perfect, then the future can be perfect. It is ideal when the past, present, and future have no differences. 

When difficulties arise in relationships with people, Confucius suggests reflecting on personal character: “If people do not respond to you with love for love, think about your generosity; if others do not follow order when you try to lead them, think about your wisdom; if others do not respond to you with kindness, think about your respect. In other words, if you cannot achieve the goal, think about yourself.” So let's build the future based on the best traditions and the cultivation of the right habits!