第四课：餐厅礼仪

= I 学习目标( xué xí mù biāo) Learning Objective=


 * to list some Chinese table etiquette.
 * to make seating arrangement based on seniority and status of the guests.
 * to compare the differences and similarities between western table manner vs Chinese table manner.
 * To learn about the custom of cherishing food when dining through an ancient poem.

=II 学习内容（xué xí nèi róng）Content of Study=

一. 吃饭的礼仪
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二. 吃饭的礼仪
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三. 吃饭的礼仪
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四. 吃饭的礼仪
media type="custom" key="26362914" Chinese seating arrangement

The seating arrangement is probably the most important part of [|Chinese dining etiquette]. Dining etiquette in ancient times was enacted according to a four-tier social strata: 1. the imperial court, 2. local authorities, 3. trade associations and 4. farmers and workers. The respect structure in modern dining etiquette has been simplified to: 1. master of the banquet and 2. guests. If **round tables** are used, the seat facing the entrance is the seat of honor. The seats on the left hand side of the seat of honor are second, fourth, sixth, etc in importance, while those on the right are third, fifth, seventh and so on in importance, until they join together. In ancient times there was a piece of furniture known as an **Eight Immortals table**, a big square table with benches for two people on each side. If there was a seat facing the entrance, then the right hand seat when facing the entrance was for the guest of honor. If there was no seat facing the entrance door (presumably if the meal was outside or there were two or more doors of equal importance), then the right hand seat when facing east was the seat of honor. The seats on the left hand side of the seat of honor were, in order of importance, second, fourth, sixth and eighth and those on the right were third, fifth and seventh.
 * The seat of honor**, reserved for the master of the banquet or the guest with highest status, is the one in the center facing east or facing the entrance. Those of higher position sit closer to the master of the banquet. The guests of lowest position sit furthest from the seat of honor. When a family holds a banquet, the seat of honor is for the guest with the highest status and the head of the house takes the least prominent seat.
 * In a grand banquet of many tables**, the table of honor is the one furthest from the entrance (or facing east in the event of no clear main entrance). The tables on the left hand side of the tables of honor are, in order of importance, second, fourth, sixth and so on, and those on the right are third, fifth and seventh. Guests are seated according to their status and degree of relationship to the master of the banquet.

Chinese table manners

A multitude of etiquette considerations occur also when dining in China. There are some special differences from manners in western countries.a. A round dining table is more popular than a rectangular or square one. As many people who can be seated comfortably around it conveniently face one another. The guest of honor is always seated to the right of the host; the next in line will sit on his left. Guests should be seated after the host's invitation, and it is discourteous to seat guests at the place where the dishes are served. b. Dining may only begin once the host and all his guests are seated. The host should actively take care of all his guests, inviting them to enjoy their meal. c. On a typical Chinese dining table there are always a cup, a bowl on a small dish, together with the chopsticks and spoons. Dishes are always presented in the center of the table.d. Apart from soup, all dishes should be eaten with chopsticks. The Chinese are particular about the use of chopsticks. There are many no-no's such as twiddling with chopsticks, licking chopsticks, or using them to stir up the food, gesture with them or point them at others. Never stick chopsticks in the center of rice, as this is the way to sacrifice and is therefore considered to be inauspicious. e. Keep your dining pace accorded with other people. Never smoke when dining. f. A formal dining is always accompanied by tea, beer or distilled spirit. The one who sit closest to the teapot or wine bottle should pour them for others from the senior and superior to the junior and inferior. And when other people fill your cup or glass, you should express your thanks. Guests can not pour tea or wine themselves. g. A toast to others is a characteristic Chinese dining. When all people are seated and all cups are filled, the host should toast others first, together with some simple prologue to let the dining start. During the dining after the senior's toast, you can toast anyone from superior to inferior at their convenience. When someone toasts you, you should immediately stop eating and drinking to accept and toast in response. If you are far from someone you want to toast, then you can use your cup or glass to rap on the table to attract attention rather than raise your voice. However, it is impolite to urge others to drink.h. Conventionally, if you are invited to a formal banquet, all the dishes should not be eaten up completely, or you will give the host the impression that he has not provided a good banquets and the food was insufficient. After dining, guests should leave once the host has left the table.

sources from http://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/chinese-etiquette/table-manners/ http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/seating-arrangement.htm

Enjoy an ancient poem about cherishing food in Chinese culture. 锄禾日当午， Scorched under the midday sun weeds the young cereal a farmer wet, 汗滴禾下土. 汤 Ticking into the soil beads of sweat. 谁知盘中餐， Who knows that in your plate, 粒粒皆辛苦. Every grain costs a bead of sweat. 唐诗故事：锄禾 - Sympathy for the farmer media type="custom" key="26362936"