China ancient and modern table manners

The problem of dining etiquette has a long history. According to literature records, at least in the Zhou Dynasty, the catering etiquette had formed a fairly perfect system, especially praised and respected by Confucius, who was once a wine-offering ceremony in Lu, and became an important aspect of showing the appearance of a great country, a state of etiquette and a place of civilization in successive dynasties.

As a traditional ancient banquet etiquette of the Han nationality, it has its own set of procedures: the host invites guests outside the door temporarily. When the guests arrive, they greet each other, introduce them into the living room and offer refreshments. After the guests are seated, the guests are guided to the table, with the left as the top, which is regarded as the chief. There are two seats relative to the first seat, three seats below the first seat and four seats below the second seat. The guests sit down, the host toasts the dishes, and the guests thank each other with gifts. There is also a certain emphasis on serving wine during the dinner: the elders and guests should be respected first, and the host should be the last. After the banquet, guide the guests to sit in the living room and serve tea until they say goodbye. This traditional banquet etiquette remains intact in most parts of China, such as Shandong, Hongkong and Taiwan Province, and it is reflected in many film and television works.

influenced by the introduction of western food in Qing dynasty, some western etiquette was introduced. Such as serving dishes, soup and wine, are also introduced into Chinese etiquette because of reasonable and hygienic eating methods. The exchange of Chinese and western food culture makes the catering etiquette more scientific and reasonable.

The modern Chinese banquet etiquette is developed on the basis of continuing the tradition and referring to foreign etiquette. Its seating is based on the principle that the right is the highest in western banquets. The first guest of honor is seated on the right side of the host, and the second guest of honor is on the left side of the host or the right side of the first guest of honor. The wine is served on the right side of the guest, first the guest of honor, then the host, first the female guest and then the male guest. Pour eight points of wine, not too full. The order of serving is still traditional, cold first and then hot. Hot dishes should be on the left side of the seat opposite the guest of honor; Serve single dishes or side dishes, snacks before guests, whole chicken, whole duck, whole fish and other plastic dishes, not head and tail facing the main position. These procedures can not only make the whole banquet process harmonious and orderly, but also reflect and communicate the identity and feelings of the host and guest. Therefore, the etiquette above the dining table can make the banquet activities complete and comprehensive, so that the cultivation of both the host and the guest can be fully displayed.

people always think that home is only about decoration, furniture and other elements of home. In fact, our home is our life, which includes all aspects of life. The change of home is due to the change of life attitude and concept, which reflects the quality of Chinese people. Similarly, table manners can also reflect personal qualities and tastes. Moreover, China people must know a thing or two about the complicated table manners of China people, so that they can be worthy of our thousands of years of history and civilization and not be ridiculous.

Table manners play a very important role in the complete life order of China people. They believe that dining is not only a way to meet basic physiological needs-but also a first-class social experience. Therefore, it is particularly important to master some Chinese catering rules. Whether you are a host or just a guest, you must master some rules.

round dining tables are very popular. Because more people can sit, and everyone can sit face to face, the identity of the head of the family is not clearly identified by his seat at the western long dining table. Guests should wait for the host's invitation before sitting down. The host must be careful not to ask the guests to sit near the serving table. This is a big taboo.

you can't start any kind of dining activities until everyone is here-even if someone is late. Once everyone is in place, the host family can make the opening remarks. During the meal, the host must take an active role-it is completely reasonable to urge the guests to eat and drink to their fullest.

a typical Chinese dining table looks quite empty, especially in the eyes of westerners. A bowl on the plate can be seen in front of each seat; On the right is a set of chopsticks and spoons, which are placed on their respective seats. On formal occasions, napkins will appear, mainly on the knees.

at a formal banquet, the way to eat dishes is much like a slide show, one dish at a time. Surprisingly, rice is not the same as the dish, but you can choose to eat it together. Because the dishes have their own characteristics, they should be tasted individually, and only one kind should be eaten from the bowl at a time, not mixed. Don't eat with plates, only with bowls. Bones and crustaceans are placed in separate plates. Dirty dishes must always be replaced with clean ones.

chopsticks are used for all food on the table except soup. Knives and forks may be provided, but as China people, it is best to use chopsticks. Chopsticks are tools for eating, so don't play with chopsticks-it's very rude to use them as drumsticks, and you can't point or gesture with chopsticks. Of course, you must never suck chopsticks or stick them in rice. This is a big taboo-it is just like a candle at a funeral and is considered unlucky. Moreover, you should not keep turning around in a dish with chopsticks. You should first look at the food you want to take with your eyes. When you use chopsticks to get a piece of food, try to avoid touching other foods. If possible, use the chopsticks and spoons beside you. After eating or taking food, put the chopsticks back in the chopsticks seat.

a Chinese restaurant is not formal without tea. Therefore, it is wise to store different kinds of tea as much as possible to ensure that the most astute tastes are taken care of. There are several key things that should be paid attention to about tea. The person who sits next to the teapot should be responsible for pouring tea for others and himself-the order of pouring tea is according to the age, from the oldest to the youngest, and finally for himself. When someone pours tea for you, it is polite to tap the table with your fingers, which is to express gratitude and respect to the tea pourer.

When it comes to drinking, almost everyone has experienced it personally, and "wine culture" is also an old and fresh topic. Modern people have found the function of wine more and more in the process of communication.

Indeed, wine, as a communication medium, plays a unique role in welcoming guests, seeing off guests, gathering friends, communicating with each other and passing on friendship. Therefore, exploring the "mystery" on the wine table will help you to seek the success of communication.

1. Let's have fun together and avoid whispering.

Most banquet guests are many, so we should talk as much as possible about some topics that most people can participate in and get the approval of most people. Because one's hobbies and knowledge are different, the topic should not be too partial as far as possible, so as to avoid being the only one, being far apart and talking endlessly, which leads to digression and ignores everyone.

In particular, try not to whisper to others, giving others a sense of mystery, which will often lead to jealousy of "just the two of you" and affect the effect of drinking.

2. aim at the host and guest and grasp the overall situation

most banquets have a theme, which is the purpose of drinking. When you go to dinner, you should first look around at your expressions and prioritize. Don't drink just for the sake of drinking, and lose a good chance to make friends, let alone let some grandstanding drinkers disturb the host's meaning.

3, the language is appropriate, humorous

A person's talent, common sense, cultivation and communication manners can be displayed on the table. Sometimes a humorous language will leave a deep impression on the guests and make people feel good about you invisibly. Therefore, we should know when to say something, and it is crucial to use proper language and be humorous.

4. Don't try to persuade others to drink moderately.

There is always a phenomenon of persuading others to drink more at the wine table. Some people always like to use the wine field as a battlefield and try their best to persuade others to drink more, thinking that it is unrealistic not to drink enough.

"judging heroes by wine" is ok for people who drink a lot, but it is difficult for those who drink a little. Sometimes, if you persuade them too much, it will completely destroy the original friends' feelings.

5. Toast in an orderly way, with clear priorities

Toast is also a science. Generally speaking, toasting should be in the order of age, position and the identity of the guest and the host. Before toasting, we must fully consider the order of toasting and distinguish between primary and secondary. In order to drink with people you don't know, you should first inquire about your identity or pay attention to what others call you, so as to avoid embarrassing or hurting feelings.

when toasting, you must grasp the order of toasting. If you want a guest at the table, you should be more respectful to him, but it should be noted that if there are people with higher status or older people present, you should not only be respectful to those who can help you, but also toast the venerable elders first, otherwise everyone will be embarrassed.

6. Look at words and deeds, understand people's hearts

If you want to get everyone's appreciation on the wine table, you must learn to look at words and deeds. Because of communication with people, it is necessary to understand people's hearts, so as to play a good role on the wine table.

7. Keep your edge on Mount Tai.

At the banquet, you should see the occasion clearly, correctly evaluate your own strength, don't be too impulsive, try to keep some sense of alcohol and talk, and don't let others underestimate yourself and show yourself too much. Choose the right opportunity and gradually radiate your edge, so as to keep your edge on Mount Tai, so as not to give others the idea of "this ability" and make everyone dare not underestimate your strength.

Toast is a toast, which means that at a formal banquet, the host proposes to the guests that they drink alcohol for a certain reason. When drinking, we usually say some wishes and blessings, and even the host and guest have to make a special toast. The shorter the toast, the better.

a toast can be made at any time while drinking. If you make a formal toast, it should be made at a specific time, and it will not affect the guests' dinner. The toast is suitable to begin after the guest and the host are seated and before the meal. It can also be done after the main course and before the dessert is served.

When drinking, especially toasting and toasting, someone needs to take the lead in proposing a toast, which can be the host, the guest of honor or the people present. When proposing a toast, you should get up and stand, hold the glass with your right hand, or hold the bottom of the glass with your left hand, smile, look at other toasts, especially yourself, and say a blessing at the same time.

someone suggested that after a toast, you should stand up with a glass in your hand. Even if you don't drink, you should pick up the cup and make a show. Raise the glass to eye level, and after saying "cheers", drink it off or drink a proper amount. Then, you have to look at the proposer with a glass in your hand, and the process is over.

In Chinese food, before a toast, you can touch your glass symbolically. When clinking glasses, you should let your glass be lower than the other's to show your respect for the other. Touching the table with the bottom of the glass can also indicate touching the glass with the other side. When you are far away from each other, you can do it in this way. If the host makes a toast in person, ask for a toast to the host and have another toast with him.

In general, the order of toasting should be age, position and the status of guest and host. We must fully consider the order of toasting and distinguish between primary and secondary. Even if you are drinking with someone you don't know, you should first inquire about your identity or pay attention to other people's titles to avoid embarrassment or hurting your feelings. Even if you want something from a guest at the table, you should be more respectful to him. But if there are people with higher status or older people present, we should also propose a toast to the elders first, otherwise it will make everyone very embarrassed.

if drinking is not suitable for living habits or health reasons, you can also entrust your relatives and friends, subordinates and younger generations to drink or substitute drinks and tea. As a toaster, you should fully understand each other. When the other party asks someone to replace the wine or drinks, don't insist on letting the other party drink, and you shouldn't "get to the bottom of it" curiously. You know, if someone doesn't take the initiative to explain the reason, it means that the other party thinks this is his privacy.

in western food, only champagne is used to make a toast, and you can't pass the people around you and make a toast with others.