How were the seats arranged at the ancient banquets in China?

In ancient banquet etiquette, the seating order of guests was "left first, regarded as the chief". The seating order is "Zuo Zun Dong" and "Zun Men".

If it is a round table, the host and guests face the gate. In terms of the distance from the host and guest, the closer the host and guest are, the more respected they are. At the same distance, the left side is more respected than the right side.

If it is a square table, if there is a seat facing the gate, the seat on the right side of the gate is the host and guest. If it is not facing the gate, the right seat on the east side is the chief.

When having dinner, sitting in the north and south is generally the first place on the table; Sit east and sit west; Then sit west and sit east; Sitting south and sitting north is next. When arranging seats, the guest of honor is at the top and the host is at the bottom. In traditional courtyards, the north room is positive and the east and west are compartments. On the left hand side of the main house, that is, the east of the north house is the first room, and the west is the second room.

Extended data:

If you are the host, you should arrive early, then wait at the door and show the seats to the guests. If it is a big banquet, the arrangement between tables should pay attention to the chief, with 2, 4 and 6 seats on the left and 3, 5 and 7 seats on the right. According to the identity, status and closeness of the host and guest, they should sit separately.

If you are invited, you should be seated according to the host's arrangement. Generally speaking, if your boss is present, you should lead him to the main seat and ask the customer to sit on the left side of the main seat, which is the highest level.

References:

Baidu encyclopedia-seat etiquette