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Mannered approach to improving etiquette
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LIKE many young Chinese people, Shirley Yang, a 20-something health care company worker used to pay little attention to manners and etiquette in everyday life, work and social occasions.
“There was barely any training or specific classes with regard to this at school,” Yang recalls. “Many people may not even be aware of the fact that bad ‘public manners’ can ruin their reputation and relationships.”
This year, Yang took part in the Chinese Traditional Culture and Etiquette Contest — a national initiative involving local governments and cultural and media bodies — which she says has hugely benefited her career and life.
Following her improvements in etiquette, Yang was recently promoted to the position of trainee manager.
“I’ve learned a lot of basic etiquette from the workshops at the contest,” Yang says.
“Now if there is a visitor to our company, I won’t simply ask them to wait, as I did before. I’ll give them a cup of water and chat to ease the tension while they wait.”
And improved knowledge of dining etiquette have also earned Yang and her friends plaudits at social occasions.
According to traditional Chinese etiquette, seniors or the most important person at a banquet should sit directly facing the door.
And young people should wait for their elder to lift their chopsticks first before they start eating. They should also be attentive toward their elders while dining, such as pouring drinks for them.
The Chinese Traditional Culture and Etiquette Contest ran from May to the end of November. According to Professor Ma Xinyu from Shanghai Business School, an organizer of the event, the contest is the first of its kind involving the city.
He told Shanghai Daily that over the months, vivid exhibitions, performances and lectures on Chinese etiquette and culture reached more than 5.1 million people at local residential communities, schools, companies and public venues.
Quizzes on traditional culture and etiquette also turned out to be hits on the Weibo microblog and WeChat messaging platforms, attracting click-through rates in the several millions.
“The significance and value of traditional etiquette has now been recognized and understood by an increasing number of young people,” Ma says.
“It is a long-term task for us to advocate and rebuild Chinese etiquette. It also requires more support and effort from the government and enterprises.”
The contest also showcased some touching photographs, essays and micro films by locals. These works sought to demonstrate people’s understanding of good Chinese etiquette.
Gao Yulong’s photograph depicting the caring and loving relationship of an elderly couple won first prize in the contest’s photography category.
In the picture, an elderly man is seen carefully peeling an apple for his wife as they sit in a park.
The poignant picture reminded many people of the concept of “xiang jing ru bin” — meaning treating each other with mutual respect — which is defined by traditional Chinese etiquette as a marriage ideal.
Gao, 26, says that he spotted the elderly couple in a public garden in Suzhou, in neighboring Jiangsu Province.
“It was a very heartwarming moment for me,” says Gao. “A lack of civility and etiquette are sadly common characteristics in our society. But traditional Chinese etiquette still has its value and appeal for the young generation today.”
Wang Guorui, a teacher from a college in neighboring Anhui Province, submitted micro movies based on true-life stories. Shot by Wang’s students, these aim to remind people of bad manners, such as touching other people’s belongings without permission and being late for meetings. These winning entries can now be seen at chinawhcx.com.
The contest is expected to be developed into an annual event. Organizers said that next year they are looking into a collaboration with Shanghai Citizens Art Festival.
In addition, academics from local universities are working on a book on Chinese etiquette due for publication in February. This aims to encourage Chinese people to be more mindful of the most basic and important etiquette in both private and public situations.
Chang Jun, associate professor of the College of International Exchange at Shanghai University, is an editor of the book. She says that it is a chance for Chinese people to think about the values of traditional morals and etiquette.
“We’re not rejecting Western influences or blindly advocating traditional Chinese etiquette,” Chang says.
“In fact, not all the contents of traditional etiquette are appropriate to be adopted today. Some manners have also evolved with the passage of time. For example, the way children demonstrate care for their parents is no longer blind obedience or filial piety.”
But there are plenty of instances of bad manners around today, added Chang.
Among those she highlights are spoiled children shouting at parents, people barging onto buses to grab a seat, being late, wearing informal dress for a formal occasion, and talking loudly at theaters.
Experts say that much more still needs to be done in today’s fast-paced society. They are encouraging more innovative and interactive cultural and educational initiatives to preserve the essence of traditional Chinese culture and etiquette.
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