History of Etiquette

The History of Etiquette and the Contributions made by: Emily and Peggy Post, Baldrige, Eleazor Moody, Ptahhotep, George Washington and Eleanor Roosevelt

Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group. The French word etiquette, literally signifying a tag or label first appeared in English around 1750. Etiquette however began when the prehistoric people began interacting with each other; there they learnt to behave in ways that made life more pleasant and effortless. Much of today’s etiquette originated in French Royal Court in the 1600’s and 1700’s. During that time when the nobles were unoccupied they drew a list of proper social behavior and called it “Etiquette”. In the nineteenth century Victorian era in the United States, etiquette was a way for social classes to separate themselves and, before the American Civil War, excluded non-whites, immigrants and children. After World War I, the invention and mass production of the automobile and the creation of the suburban family, etiquette rules began to change. As the role of women became more progressive, their limiting etiquette rules became more relaxed. From the 1500’s and through the 1900’s children were taught the proper way of kneeling before their teachers and the essence of remaining silent until spoken to. Since the 1960’s the values of etiquette has become relaxed and has become degraded in a sense. The contribution that these philosophers have made to etiquette is one of great values that must be cherished by all individuals who have become aware of them. Emily and Peggy Post was a great writer who published her book called: The Blue Book of Social Usage. She believed that good manners began with consideration for the feelings of others included good form in speech, knowledge of proper social graces, and claim. She made mention that it was improper for a woman to visit a man alone in his apartment or to go overnight automobile trips. Peggy Post wrote in monthly columns on Good Housekeeping and wedding social graces. According to Ptahhotep one should greet friends and acquaintances with warmth and respect, wear clothing suitable for the occasion and contribute to conversation without dominating anyone. He also sits down the rules of behavior that all wise men should convey to their sons in his book called Papyrus. George Washington made mention that about the rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation. He further made mention of the importance of respecting one another, good grooming and table manners. He spoke about not laughing too loud or too much at any public spectacle and not to rinse your mouth in the presence of others. Eleazor Moody made contributions to etiquette by printing the earliest manners for children books in America. The book taught them how to defer their elders especially their parents. Children were to show reverence by bowing, standing up straight, avoiding any fidgeting and restraining their tongues. She also taught children table manners. Letitia Baldrige advised through a flow of books devoted to manners and etiquette at home, in the workplace and even in the nursery. She also provides fresh guidelines on etiquette at work and in every form of communication, from letters to emails to cell phone calls. She also updates the way we approach the traditional rites of passage weddings, funerals, religious ceremonies, gatherings large and small. Eleanor Roosevelt spoke about manners between husband and wife, parents and children, host and quest. She also spoke about courtesy, kindness and consideration to others. Amy Vanderbilt expounded on that the family is important in that they are responsible in teaching the child good manners and having respect for others. She made mention of covering the mouth when yawning.