Social etiquette is more than just being polite. It shows a culture’s values and unwritten rules. In ancient times, these rules were treated seriously. Breaking them could lead to embarrassment or punishment. Many of these customs have disappeared, but they still affect how we behave today.
Let’s explore ten interesting social etiquette rules from ancient civilizations that have been mostly forgotten. These rules give us a peek into how people interacted and how important small actions used to be.
Don’t Look Directly at the Emperor (Ancient Rome)
In ancient Rome, the emperor was seen as a living god, representing the power of the state. People were expected to show great respect by not looking him directly in the eye. Looking at the emperor was seen as questioning his authority.
This rule was followed closely during public events and court hearings. When people needed to speak to the emperor, they would bow their heads to show respect. Even important officials followed this rule.
Not following this rule could lead to being excluded from society or facing serious consequences. This practice reinforced the emperor’s power and status. [1]
The Two-Finger Salute for Greetings (Medieval Europe)
In medieval Europe, religion was a big part of life, including greetings. The two-finger salute was common and showed religious belief. Raising the index and middle fingers showed belief in the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This was both a greeting and a way to show faith.
During religious conflicts, like the Crusades, not using this gesture could cause suspicion. The two-finger salute was important for social survival when religious belief was strictly enforced.
Merchants used this salute to show their faith when entering new towns. It helped build trust in a time of different customs. [2]
Never Eat with Your Left Hand (Ancient India)
In ancient India, the left and right hands had different roles. The left hand was for unclean tasks, like personal hygiene. Meals were important social and religious events. Using the right hand to eat was a way to honor the food and the occasion, showing purity which was important in Hinduism.
Using the left hand during meals was seen as impure and disrespectful. This rule applied at home and in social gatherings, showing respect to everyone.
This custom still exists in parts of South Asia and the Middle East, showing how ancient practices still affect culture today. [3]
Cover Your Head Indoors (Ottoman Empire)
In the Ottoman Empire, men had to cover their heads indoors, especially in religious places or homes. This showed respect for God and the social order. The head covering, like a fez, showed a person’s faith and status.
Taking off the head covering in the wrong place was disrespectful. This rule helped maintain social unity and identity.
The practice extended to meetings, showing the importance of respect in everyday interactions. Even though the Ottoman Empire is gone, head-covering customs still influence culture in the region. [4]
Bow Before Speaking (Feudal Japan)
In feudal Japan, social behavior was controlled by strict rules. Bowing, or “ojigi,” showed respect and gratitude. When speaking to someone higher in status, like a daimyo, one had to bow deeply first.
Not bowing correctly was disrespectful. For samurai, following proper bowing was about honor. Not doing so could lead to losing status or duels.
Bowing before speaking kept the social order and showed respect, which were important in Japanese society. This showed the importance of non-verbal communication. [5]
Never Step on the Threshold (Ancient Egypt)
In ancient Egypt, a home’s threshold was both a physical and spiritual boundary. Stepping on it was disrespectful to the host and the gods thought to protect the home. Egyptians believed gods watched over families from the entrance, and stepping on the threshold could anger them.
Guests were to step over the threshold, showing respect for the home’s guardians. This showed how Egyptians valued hospitality and spirituality.
These customs linked everyday actions with spiritual meaning. While this practice may be gone, it shows the connection between daily life and the divine in ancient Egyptian culture. [6]
Silence Is Golden (Imperial China)
In Imperial China, Confucianism shaped social rules about speech. Self-control was important, and one was to be silent around elders unless spoken to. Speaking out of turn was seen as rude.
Silence kept harmony by honoring the social order. This was important in families and courts, where hierarchy was strict.
Not following this rule could lead to loss of face, which was important to a person’s reputation. Focusing on measured speech contributed to social unity and respect for order. [7]
Don’t Show the Sole of Your Foot (Ancient Mesopotamia)
In ancient Mesopotamia, feet were considered dirty. Showing the sole of your foot was a big insult. The sole was seen as unclean, and showing it to someone was calling them unclean.
This affected how people sat, making sure their feet weren’t shown to others. In formal settings, people were careful about their posture to avoid offending anyone.
This practice showed the importance of cleanliness in social behavior. Similar customs still exist in some cultures today, showing the lasting impact of ancient social rules. [8]
The Left Seat for Guests of Honor (Ancient Greece)
In ancient Greece, seating at gatherings was important, especially at symposiums. The seat to the left of the host was for the guest of honor. This showed trust, as the left side was linked to the heart.
Hosts carefully seated guests based on their status, showing the importance of hospitality. Seating someone in the wrong spot could cause problems.
This showed Greek values of hospitality and respect for social order. Proper seating showed these values, strengthening relationships. [9]
Cover Your Mouth When Laughing (Victorian England)
In Victorian England, rules were strict, especially for women. Women were to cover their mouths while laughing. Modesty was valued, and showing too much emotion was seen as bad.
This showed decorum, which was key in Victorian society. It showed the era’s ideas about women, where being modest was important.
Men had more freedom, but women had strict rules about their behavior in public. This showed the gender rules of the time. [10]
These ancient etiquette rules show that social behavior has always been important. While they may seem strange today, they played a crucial role in shaping societies.
Which of these etiquette rules did you find most surprising? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
