Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Traditional festivals - A foreign etiquette that must be known: taboo in European countries

A foreign etiquette that must be known: taboo in European countries

There are many taboos about numbers, colors, flowers and animals in European countries. Westerners generally taboo 13 and Friday, the reasons are derived from Christian legends; Many western countries regard black as a symbol of funeral; In international occasions, it has become a common practice to avoid using chrysanthemums, azaleas, carnations and yellow flowers for guests. In addition, animal patterns such as elephants, peacocks and cranes, which are considered to represent auspiciousness, happiness and longevity in China, are also taboo in some western countries, and are regarded as synonymous with stupidity (English), stupidity (English, French) and stupidity (French) respectively.

Due to the differences of national cultures, European countries have many characteristics. The following are some customs in European countries:

France: Don't take photos with cameras with flash in museums and churches. The etiquette of giving priority to women originated in France. When traveling, we should pay attention to giving way to women, opening the door and giving up their seats, so that women can get on first and then get off. Women in Paris seldom wear jeans, and most of them wear baggy pants to work. They reject the pants that are tight on their legs, thinking that they destroy the pure and delicate beauty of their legs.

Germany: When dining in Germany, don't eat meat with a knife and fork that eats fish. If you want to drink beer and wine at the same time, you should drink beer first and then wine. When eating buffet in the country where buffet was invented, you should pay special attention not to pile too much food on the plate. Germans are disciplined and neat; Punctuality, like quiet; Treat people sincerely and pay attention to etiquette.

Switzerland: When eating with Swiss people, we usually toast each other once at first, and then we don't need to toast often, so we can drink at will. In the process of eating, it is not advisable to directly blow scalded vegetables or soup with your mouth, let alone make noise when chewing food and using tableware.

Britain: British people are most afraid of being told about men's salary and women's age. Even they shouldn't ask how much his furniture is worth. These are the secrets of his personal life, and no one is allowed to ask. In Britain, please remember that you can't ask others "Where have you been" or "Have you eaten?" They hate being asked about their private lives. The British, who have to follow the rules in everything, drive in the opposite direction to other European countries. When traveling in Britain, remember not to sneeze and cross your legs in public; Don't walk under the ladder, and don't open an umbrella in the house. Don't laugh at the family affairs of the royal family when you speak.

Spain: Female compatriots need to wear earrings when they go to the streets. If they don't wear earrings, they will be laughed at like normal people without clothes. Spaniards emphasize personal credibility, preferring to suffer some losses rather than admit their mistakes publicly. If you help them unintentionally and save them from loss, then you will win friendship and trust forever.

Hungary: Don't break glassware whether staying in a hotel or eating, otherwise it will be regarded as a harbinger of bad luck and become an unwelcome person. Hungarians are superstitious and are not allowed to put poultry dishes on the New Year's table, thinking that in that case, good luck will fly away with the birds.

Holland: The Dutch, once the most orthodox people in Europe, love cleanliness and order. When doing business, I hope you make an appointment in advance before you go to Holland. Frank and honest personality. When climbing stairs or taking escalators, women usually follow men.

Russia: In Russia, sunflowers are regarded as a symbol of light and are deeply loved by people. It is called the sun flower and is designated as the national flower. When visiting Russians, the flowers given to women should be odd. In terms of numbers, Russians prefer 7 as a sign of success and happiness. For 13 and Friday, they are very taboo. Russians worship salt and horses very much, and advocate that "the left dominates the fierce and the right dominates the auspicious".

Portugal: Portuguese people pay attention to etiquette. Generally, they exchange business cards after polite greetings, but they are not punctual. When negotiating business with Portuguese, don't put pressure on Portuguese friends to get a promotion. Usually, Portuguese people like to negotiate business in old-fashioned, solemn and friendly coffee houses, which cost less but have good results. The Portuguese are very much like the Greeks, easy-going and sociable. Wear a suit in spite of the hot weather. When negotiating with them, you should wear a neat coat and tie at work and social occasions.

Belgium: Belgians love to combine business and entertainment, like to entertain others and like to be entertained by others. Pay attention to appearance and titles of business partners.

Denmark: Danes like saunas and drinking, and alcohol is more expensive. If you entertain a sauna or bring more bottles of Scotch whisky in business activities, you can add your's conversation as a gift.

Norway: Norwegians pay attention to punctuality and keep a certain distance from others. When visiting or attending a family dinner, prepare gifts such as flowers or candy for the hostess. Don't frighten the river bird (Norway's national bird) when going out for an outing. Generally speaking, red is considered as a popular color.

Greece: Greeks love to take a nap, which is caused by the subtropical climate. Saying good afternoon can include saying good night after midnight. The Greek way of business is more traditional, and bargaining can be seen everywhere. Friendly gestures, such as waving, mean "hell" in Greece. When the Greeks say goodbye, they will wave to each other.

Austria: Austrians don't like to eat shrimp in the New Year. Because shrimp will walk backwards, which symbolizes bad luck. If you eat shrimp, it is difficult to make progress in the new year.

Ireland: Irish people avoid using red, white and blue (the color of the British flag) for political and historical reasons. In addition, Irish law prohibits Irish people from getting divorced.

Italy: Italians are less rigid than Germans and more enthusiastic than French. But when dealing with business, it is usually not emotional. Slow decision-making is not to discuss with colleagues, but to be unwilling to make hasty statements.

Luxembourg: Luxemburg people, descendants of Germanic people. Because the country is small, most people drive home for dinner at noon and don't work at noon.