European customs and traditions

European countries have many taboos about numbers, colors, flowers and animals. Westerners are generally taboo 13 and Friday, the reason for all originated in the Christian legend; many Western countries are black as a funeral representation; in international occasions, avoid using chrysanthemums, azaleas, Dianthus, yellow flowers to guests, has become a customary practice; in addition, in our country is considered to be on behalf of the auspicious, celebratory, longevity of elephants, peacocks, cranes, and other animal motifs in some Western countries have been listed in the list of contraindications, were regarded as stupid (Britain), slut (Britain, France) and stupid Han (France) of the pronouns.

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

France Don't take pictures in museums and churches with cameras with flash. Ladies first etiquette originated in France. When traveling, it is important to be careful to yield the right of way, open doors, and give up your seat for women, and to let women go first when getting in and out of a car. Parisian women seldom wear jeans, most Parisian women's work pants are loose, they reject tight pants on the legs, that destroy the pure and delicate beauty of the legs.

Germany When dining in Germany, don't eat meat with a fish knife and fork. If you are going to drink beer and wine at the same time, it is advisable to drink the beer first and the wine later. Eating buffet in the invented country of buffet, especially careful not to pile up too much food in the food plate. Germans are disciplined and tidy; they keep time and like quiet; they treat people with sincerity and pay attention to etiquette.

Switzerland With the Swiss **** meal, usually in the beginning of each other toasting once, and then do not need to toast frequently, each casual drinking can be. During the meal, should not directly use the mouth to blow cool too hot, too hot dishes or soup, not to mention chewing food, the use of cutlery when the sound.

Britain British people are most taboo to talk about the man's salary and the woman's age, and even his family's furniture is worth how much money should not be asked, these are the secrets of his personal life, never allow others to ask. In the UK, please remember not to ask people "where are you going", "have you eaten?", etc. as you do in China. They hate to be asked about their personal lives. They hate to be asked about their personal lives, and the British have to follow all the rules, and the direction of their cars is the opposite of the rest of Europe. When traveling in the UK, remember not to sneeze in public, cross your legs, walk under a ladder, or hold an umbrella in a house. Don't make fun of the royal family's domestic affairs in conversation.

Spain Lesbians are required to wear earrings on the street, and if they don't, they are laughed at as if they were a normal person with no clothes on. Spaniards emphasize personal credibility and would rather suffer a little loss than publicly admit a mistake. If you unintentionally help them and save them from loss, then you have permanently earned friendship and trust.

Hungary Whether you live or eat, do not break the glassware, otherwise, it will be regarded as a harbinger of bad luck, will become unpopular. Hungarians, more superstitious, the New Year's table is not allowed to put dishes made of poultry, that is, good luck will fly away with the birds.

Holland The Dutch, once the most orthodox people in Europe, love cleanliness and order, and when doing business, they want you to make a prior agreement before arriving in Holland. The character is frank and open. Women usually follow men when climbing stairs or taking the escalator.

Russia In Russia, the sunflower, considered a symbol of light, is the most popular, and she is known as the sunflower and has been designated as the national flower. When visiting Russians, it is preferable to give the lady an odd number of flowers. In terms of numbers, the Russians favor the number 7, which is considered to be an omen of success and prosperity. For 13 and Friday, they are very taboo. Russians worship salt and horses, advocating that "the left main evil, the right main good".

Portugal The Portuguese attach great importance to etiquette, usually after polite pleasantries will be exchanged business cards, but not too punctual. Negotiate business with the Portuguese, do not let the Portuguese friends have been selling products pressure. Usually Portuguese people like to negotiate business in the old-fashioned, solemn atmosphere, friendly coffee house, spend not much but the effect is good. The Portuguese, much like the Greeks, are easy-going and like to socialize. Despite the heat, they also wear suits, and when negotiating with them, they should be neatly dressed and wear a tie for work and social occasions.

Belgium Belgians love to combine business and pleasure, and enjoy entertaining others as well as being entertained by them. Attention is paid to appearance and to the titles of business associates.

Denmark Danish people, like sauna and drink, and wine is more expensive. If you entertain a sauna or bring a few bottles of Scotch whisky in business, it will increase the conversation and be the best gift.

Norway Norwegian people, pay attention to punctuality and keep a certain distance from the conversation with others, visit or attend a family dinner, to prepare flowers or sweets and other gifts to the hostess, do not go out on excursions to scare the river bird (Norway's national bird), generally regarded as red as the popular color.

Greece Greeks, love to nap, for the subtropical climate. Say good afternoon can include the middle of the night, and finally said good night. Greeks do business in a more traditional way, bargaining everywhere. Such as waving a kind of friendly gestures, but in Greece means "hell", the Greeks said goodbye, is the back of the hand toward each other waving.

Austrian Austrians, do not like to eat shrimp during the New Year. Because shrimp will walk backwards, symbolizing bad luck, if you eat shrimp, the new year business is difficult to forge ahead.

Ireland Irish, avoid using red, white and blue group (British flag color), which is due to political and historical reasons. In addition Ireland's law prohibits Irish people from getting divorced.

Italy The Italians, less stereotypical than the Germans, more passionate than the French. However, they are usually unemotional when dealing with business. They are slow to make decisions, not so much for the sake of consulting with colleagues, but rather because they are reluctant to take a hasty stand.

Luxembourg Luxembourgers, of Germanic descent. Due to the small size of the country, most people drive home for lunch and do not work at lunchtime.