Etiquette in Asia

is meant to show respect through  and good etiquette.|alt=A black and white photo of a Japanese bride in traditional attire greeting her elders]]
**Etiquette in Asia** is different in each country, even though some actions look similar. Etiquette is a set of , customs, or codes guiding socially acceptable behavior. No guide about manners or list of mistakes can ever be complete. People see behaviors in different ways, so it is very important to understand different cultures. Not knowing the customs and what people expect in Asia can make someone seem rude, silly, or disrespectful, even if they mean well.

Asian etiquette often shows "respect," "good manners," and "filial piety" (which means respect for parents and elders). These manners are strongly influenced by Chinese culture.

## Bangladesh
People in Bangladesh are quiet and follow many rules. Even though some customs can change, some things stay the same, like respecting older people and caring about family. Young people always show respect to elders. It is rude for young people to speak directly or strongly to older people. Also, looking too long into an elder’s eyes is seen as bad manners.  

Bangladeshis are  and do not like too much praise. 

In business, manners are like in other Asian countries. People do not speak too directly about their ideas or opinions.

## Brunei
Etiquette in Brunei is similar to Malaysia.

## China
Eating is very important in Chinese culture. Eating out is a common way to welcome guests, meet friends, and build relationships. Chinese dining manners are similar to those in Korea and Japan, but with some differences. Usually, food is shared by everyone at the table. Small groups may sit at square or rectangular tables, but large groups prefer round tables. At formal dinners, there is a special seating order based on age and rank. The most important seat is for the host or the oldest person, usually in the center facing east or the door. People use chopsticks instead of forks and knives. In most Chinese restaurants, you don’t need to tip unless it says so. Tea is almost always served before or right after you sit down. You should say "谢谢" (xiexie), meaning "thank you," to the person pouring the tea.

### Handshake Etiquette
Who shakes hands first depends on respect for age and position.  

# If a higher-ranking person meets a lower-ranking person, the higher-ranking person offers their hand first.  
# If a woman shakes hands with a man, the woman offers her hand first.  
# If an older person shakes hands with a younger person, the older person offers their hand first.  
# If a married person shakes hands with someone who is not married, the married person offers their hand first.  
# If a teacher shakes hands with a student, the teacher offers their hand first.  
# If the first person to arrive shakes hands with the last person, the first person offers their hand first.  
# When a host meets guests, the host offers their hand first; when guests leave, the guests offer their hand first.

### Bowing Etiquette
Bowing in China started a long time ago during the Shang Dynasty as a way to show respect in religious ceremonies. After the Xinhai Revolution, people stopped kneeling and bowing became the main way to show respect to others equally.  At first, bowing meant bending like the way animals were bent into a bow shape to be used in sacrifices to honor heaven. Later, people used bowing every day to show respect, , and that they were not hostile. 
Today, bowing is a common way to greet people, show thanks, or say sorry. When you bow, you should be careful not to be rude. For example, do not take off your hat, talk, laugh, look around, eat, or put your hand in your pocket while bowing. When bowing, you should avoid looking directly at the other person’s eyes. Looking at their face while bowing can make the bow look strange and is seen as disrespectful. 
Also, just nodding or a small bow can be seen as not respectful enough in some situations. It is important to bow properly to show respect.

### Chinese Table Manners
At a round table, the person sitting facing the door is the host or main guest. The people sitting closest to the host or guest are the most respected. If two people are the same distance from the host, the person on the left side is more respected than the one on the right. The host should arrive early, wait at the door, and help guests find their seats. Guests sit where the host arranges.

When eating, do not stick your chopsticks straight up in your bowl because it looks like burning incense, which is bad luck. Put down your chopsticks when drinking soup. Never hold a spoon and chopsticks at the same time because it is rude. Do not use chopsticks to stir food in the dish, and do not leave chopsticks resting on your bowl after eating.

### Ancient Chinese Sacrificial Rituals
Sacrifice is an old ritual in China and is very important. It was part of the ancient Chinese ritual system and was the most important of five rituals. People used to offer sacrifices to heaven, earth, and humans. Later, this became the "three sacrifices": to heaven and earth, to ancestors, and to wise people. The Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) is the biggest ceremony to honor ancestors and has deep cultural meaning.

Today, sacrifices are often done during tomb sweeping. People bring wine, food, fruit, and paper money to the graves of their relatives. They offer the food, burn the paper money, cover the grave with fresh soil, and place green branches on the tomb. Then they bow and pray, and finally, they eat and drink before going home.

### Congratulation Etiquette
 others is common during festivals. It shows respect from younger people to elders or from people with lower status to those with higher status. It is also used among friends to celebrate. When giving congratulatory gifts, you should be respectful, say kind words, and give a gift.

## References