『壹』 有關中西方禮儀的英語作文
Western diners, from formal to form an informal, far more than in China. Roughly speaking, they have the following eight fete form: the banquet, buffet seats, lunch, conference, cocktail party, dinner party, picnics, tea. From the traditional custom, said a Chinese dinner, whether by long and honour, Lord, give full table and sit, big tables, master QuanJiu frequently, guest ritual to obey. Chinese people felt that way can reflect master competitive enthusiasm and sincere. Other diners advocate lively lively atmosphere, exquisite face ostentation and extravagance. The big, the atmosphere strie lively often breathtaking.
『貳』 幫忙寫篇關於西方禮儀的英語作文
書面表達
假如你的朋友李明應邀去參加美國朋友的家庭宴會，他不懂如何應付。請你給他提些建議，告訴他如何去做以便給人留下好印象。根據以下提示寫一篇100詞左右的短文。
1.禮品（一瓶酒或一盒巧克力）；
2.准時到達，可提前十分鍾左右；
3.稱贊主人的飯菜；
4.飯後不要逗留太長時間；
5.走前再次感謝主人。
【參考答案】
If you want to make a good impression at an American dinner party, you may do as follows:
First of all, you should buy a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or a box of chocolate for your host or hostess. Second, arrive on time. You may arrive about ten minutes earlier. Third, ring the dinner, don』t forget to say that the food is delicious. After you finish eating, you shouldn』t stay too long. Finally, thank your host or hostess for the good dinner when you leave.
『叄』 英語作文帶翻譯外國餐桌禮儀60詞i
你好，朋友！
Seated posture, foot in my seat, can not arbitrary straight, elbows should not rely on table edge, or hand on the back of a chair next to him. Table must be gentle, quiet and calm, can not be impatient. On the table can be selfish, but also to care for others, especially on both sides of the greeting of the ladies. The mouth of food, should avoid to speak.
希望能幫到內您容！
『肆』 向外國人介紹中國禮儀的英語作文要求：見面禮、餐桌禮儀等
你下載一個中英文翻譯軟體就好啦！，時節可以跟外國人對話聊天
『伍』 關於中國人本國禮儀不重視而對外國禮儀重視的英語作文
Chinese table etiquette boils down to the following points:
1. Admission etiquette. Ask guests seated on the seats. Please elderly guests in attendance were seated next to attendance at from the left side into the chair. Admission Dongkuaizi not after. What more do not come to beep. Not to get up walk. If what happened to the owner notice.
Second, when the meal. Ask guests. Long the Dongkuaizi. Jiacai, each less. Far from the food on their own eat some. Meal not a voice. Heshang also not a sound use Kaitang I spoon a small drink and a small mouth. Pawan front-lips not drink, soup, hot cool after Zaikai. side not to drink while blowing Some people prefer to chew food to eat. extraordinary feel like work is crisp chewing food, a very clear voices. this is not etiquette demands. extraordinary and everyone is eating together, as far as possible to prevent the emergence of this phenomenon.
Third: Do not eat hiccup, other voices will not arise if there sneezing, Changming involuntarily, such as the sound, it is necessary to say "I am sorry."; I am sorry;. "Of the original cooler." Within the words . to show regret.
Fourth if guests or elders give cloth dish. Best use of chopsticks may also be the guests or elders far away from the dishes to their front, according to the habit of the Chinese nation. Dish is a one of the Top. If the same tables leadership, the elderly, the guests said. Whenever of a new dish, let them first Dongkuaizi. rotation or invite them to the first Dongkuaizi. to show their importance.
Fifth: eat the head, fishbone, bones and other objects, not Wangwaimian vomit, not onto the ground still. Slowly to get their hands Diezili, or close on their own or on Canzhuobian prepared beforehand good on paper.
Sixth: To a timely manner about the time and people just a few humorous, to reconcile the atmosphere. Guangzhaotou not eat, regardless of others, and do not devour and destroy the lavish meal, not jail sentence.
7: It is best not to the dinner table Tiya if it is to Tiya, will use napkins or sign blocked their mouths.
8: To clear the main tasks of the meal. Must be clear to do business oriented. Feelings or to the main contact. Mainly or to eat. If it is the former, when attention should be paid to the seating arrangements. Their main negotiators the seats near each other to facilitate conversations, or dredge emotion. If it is the after. need only pay attention to common-sense courtesy on the line, to focus on the appreciation of dishes,
9: The last time left. Must be expressed gratitude to the host. At the invitation of the owner or to their own homes after the house to show back
China is the etiquette of helping people, Minsishiweitian, dining How can no rules! While stressing that no attention is three meals a day, but do not know know better than OK!
1. Inviting guests to notice, Ruxi 6:00, 5:50才叫your elderly guests, it does not. 2. Hosts who looked to be late; guests should be 5-10 minutes late, and this is very considerate guests Oh, and pay attention to grasp, natural host and the guest are Huan. 3. If sit round a table, facing the door of the main blocks, or back * walls, counters; emphasize some hotels will be used napkins distinction, the highest position napkins can not casually sit Oh, unless you intend to good banquet woven?: D
4. Masters of the subject and object of the right hand side, the left hand side of the important guests; * gate facing the master, of course, is run errands entertain the Peiqia sit you. 5. Guests do not directly to the members of a la carte and calling guidance, obediently waiting for the hosts who looked to be a la carte if guests really serious taboos or hobbies, and should be gently told the hosts who looked, the owner of natural putting his interests and meet guests little or significantly requirements. 6. Hosts who looked not need points or less grasping points, or holding food dishes, such as crab, lobster legs, ribs, and so on. For a meal to the three dishes such a rule no. What can be said etiquette! 7. Not a small amount of force will not object to others drink wine without fragmentation feast! 8. On the wine servings! Foreigner likes to boast of skill, people may boast their own point-for the food, hosts who looked at carefully observed Liangcai Qi, every Cup have drinks later, when immediately drank to welcome the start. . . Like, rotating disk or right hand side indicate the subject and object moving first chopsticks. Tuirang subject and object should not be too long, oh, we stomachs are hungry, it will eat you open! Do not forget to eat the praise of some oh. 9. After one of every dish, although the waiter and owner will still go before the subject and object, but not too rigidly stick with you, if just in front of me, dead people rotating disc, I would first folder a small taste of chopsticks ! 10. Hosts who looked often to the disk will cater to the vast majority of guests; Peiqia then added services to entertain; guests can not touch the hands of disk integrity and eat meals, the two sides are also Huan you. 11. If there is no attendant at the food or chopsticks, Gongbiao, Jiacai the first time can be good, must not use their own chopsticks to pick in the session to pick, and even stirring! Not everyone is like love, like you do not mind the saliva chopsticks! Usually identified from their recent selection part. 12. Let chopsticks on the best food in their transition to a dish in only into the mouth. Phase seem to be eating is not so urgent. 13. When chewing food in the mouth, remember Bijin lips is a major event, so to speak, falling objects, Shishui spills, as well as to avoid a "Puma Puma Ji Ji" annoyance beep. 14. During the meal, or both before and after the meal, should be back straight, as far as possible but not later * chairs sit. During the meal, basically in the hands above the desktop. 15. The master of a very good appetite, and weight loss are guests, not the Fanju oh.
『陸』 跪求一篇介紹外國餐桌禮儀的英語作文，高分賞，必需要好的，
TABLE MANNERS AT A DINNER PARTY:
People who go to a formal Western dinner party for the first time may be surprised by table manners in Western culture.Knowing them will help you make a good impression.Having good table manners means knowing,for example,how to use knives and forks,when to drink a toast and how to behave at the table.Beside your napkin you will find a small bread roll and three glasses—one for white wine,one for the red wine,and one for water.There are two pairs of knives and forks on the table,forks on the left and knives in the right of the plate.When you see two spoons,the big one id for the suop and the samll one for the dessert.The knife and fork that are closest to your plate are a litte bit bigger than the ones beside them.When you sit down at the table, you can take your napkin, unfold it and put it on your lap.In Chinese you sometime get a hot,damp cloth to clean your face and face and hands,whinch,however,is nat the custom in Western countries.
Dinner start with a small dish, which is often called a starter.Sime people pray before they start eating , and other people may keep silent for a moment. Then you can say"Enjoy your meal"to each other and everybody start eating.For the starter,which you eat with the smaller pair,you keep the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left.After the starter you will get a bowl of soup—but only one boel of soup and never ask for a seconf serving.
The next dish is the main course.Many Westerners think the chicken breast with its tender white flesh is the best part of the bird. Some people can use their fingers when they eating chicken or other birds,but never touch beef or other meat in bones.It is polite to finish eating everthing on your plate,so don't take more food than you need.
At table ,you should try to speak quietly and smile a lot,but do not laugh all the time.
Most Westerners like soft drink if they will drive home.Many of them drink white or red wine with the food.When drinking to someone's health,you raise your glasses,but the glasses should not touch. The custom of toasting in some parts of China is to finish the drink at once,but Westerners usually take only a sip.For drinking ring a dinner,the best advic is never to drink too much.
Table manners change over time.They follow the fashion of the day .Beside,table manners are only important at formal dinner parties.If you're not sure what to do ,you can always follow your hosts.Although good manners always make you look good,you do not need to worry about all these rules while having dinner with your friends or family.
餐桌禮儀參加晚餐聚會。
人們去參加一次正式的西餐聚會可以第一次吃驚於西方文化中的餐桌禮節知道問題會讓你留下一個好印象具有良好的餐桌禮儀意味著知道一旦最壞的情況,例如,如何使用刀叉,何時祝酒以及如何在餐桌上表現在你們的餐巾你會找到一個小麵包卷和三個glasses-one為白葡萄酒,一為紅酒,和一個用於水有兩雙刀、叉放在桌子上,叉子往左拐,然後小刀盤子的右邊當你看到2大湯匙,這個大的id為suop和小的甜點刀和叉,最近你的盤子是一個小一點的比在他們旁邊一旦你坐下來吃飯時,你可以把你的餐巾,展開並把它放在你的大腿上在中國你有時候真的可以得到一塊溫熱的餐巾擦洗干凈你的臉和洗臉、洗手,whinch,然而,是nat西方國家的風俗。
晚餐開始用一個小碟子,常常叫做「先發有些人飯前要祈禱,其他的人保持沉默了一會兒。你就可以回答「好好享受你的餐點」對方,每個人都開始吃為你所吃的先發投手,其中的小雙,你把刀在你右手中,左手拿叉先發投手後,你將會得到一碗湯soup-but只有一個計劃,別問一場服務。
下一盤是主菜許多西方人認為雞胸肉白色有著柔軟最好的活動那隻鳥。有些人可以用手指當他們吃雞肉和其他鳥類,但千萬別碰牛肉在骨骼和其他肉類是很有禮貌的,在你的盤子里吃完所有的,不要把多吃,你需要的人。
在餐桌上,你應該盡量小聲說話和笑,但不會笑的。
『柒』 英語作文，中西方課堂禮儀不同，簡單一些的， 求各位大佬解答
你好，請給出字數要求，我是本科英語專業大三的學生，一般的英語方面的問題手到擒來，但是巧婦難成無米之炊，請把問題補全我才好回答
『捌』 西方的禮儀 要全英文版的
樓主這是我找的!!希望對你有幫助!!!! Business etiquette is the business etiquette norms. Business etiquette is coordination and communication functions with cohesion emotional role. With the development of society, the business relations are getting wider and wider, in a variety of business contacts graally formed a code of conct and guidelines, guidance on business conct themselves in society, and as a code of society, coordinating human relations and human and social relations, so that people are friendly to each other, respect the other's premise, compliance with the protocol norms, in accordance with the protocol norms restrain itself, it is easy for people to feelings of interpersonal communication. so emotional pool play to the role, and establish mutual respect, mutual trust, friendship and cooperation relations, in turn help the development of various undertakings. Business etiquette is a behavioral science, and should seriously the systemic training. Due to geographical and historical background, the system between various kinds of differences True but reflects the aspirations of the same, and to abide by the norms and codes of conct is consistent. 既然回答了..為什麼要糊弄你. 中文意思是:商務禮儀是商務活動中的禮儀規范。商務禮儀具有協調和溝通的功能,具有凝聚情感的作用。 隨著社會的發展,商務人員的交往面越來越廣,在各種商務交往中逐漸形成了行為規范和准則,指導商務人員立身處世、立身社會,協調人與人之間的關系和人與社會的關系,使人們友好相處,在尊重他人的前提下,遵守禮儀規范,按照禮儀規范約束自己,就容易使人際間感情得以溝通,使凝聚情感的作用發揮,建立起相互尊重、彼此信任、友好合作的關系,進而有利於各種事業的發展。 商務禮儀是行為科學,應充分重視訓練的系統性。由於地理環境和歷史背景不同,系統之間有著這樣和那樣的差異,但反映真善美的願望是一致的,共同遵守的准則和行為規范是一致
求採納
『玖』 誰能幫我寫一篇關於西方禮儀的英語作文
The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) has recently received the ISO14001 certificate, meaning that the environmental management system (EMS) set up by the BOCOG conforms to the ISO14001:1966 standards and requirements.
The certificate issued by China's national environmental authentication center on October 13 covers areas including BOCOG's office work, the event route planning, venue planning, partners selecting, contracted hotels selecting, communication and environmental management.
The BOCOG started establishing the EMS following BOCOG president Liu Qi's approval in April 2004. After experts' examination and appraisal of a trial practice of several months, the BOCOG passed the certification in September this year.
The system will be implemented from now on to ensure BOCOG's scientific management of the Olympiad's preparation and hosting.
As a theme of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Green Olympics means to prepare it in accordance with the principle of sustainable development, which calls for the protection of environment, conservation of resources and maintenance of ecological balance.
The city's environmental infrastructure will be enhanced and its ecological surrounding improved. Beijing will widely organize environmental communication and ecation activities to raise public awareness and leave rich environmental legacy to China and world sports.
BOCOG has compiled an EMS manual, assigned environmental management representatives, clarified responsibilities for BOCOG's different departments, held training courses, and confirmed some key environmental elements for all departments
我和北京奧運
我盼望著2008年8月8日快點到來。這是北京奧運會開幕的日子，是世界體育大家庭聚會北京的日子，更是每一個中國人倍感驕傲的日子。
作為一個小主人，我真想成為一名光榮的奧運志願者，可是到了那時，我還太小，不能成為一個真正的志願者，但是，我依然可以為北京奧運會做出自己的貢獻。
首先，作為一個北京市的小市民，我要用我的熱情、我的笑容迎接每一個來自世界各地的外國朋友，展示出我們北京人友好好客的精神風貌，讓外國朋友們通過每一張北京人的笑臉感受北京。
其次，我要更加努力的學習英語，在奧運會舉辦期間，能夠用英語和外國朋友們說話、交流，為他們提供我力所能及的幫助，比如：做個小翻譯、幫外國人指路等等，讓外國朋友通過每一個北京人熱情的幫助喜歡北京。
再次，我也要學習更多的有關北京、奧運的知識，將來可以為外國朋友介紹咱們美麗的北京，以及北京悠久的歷史和燦爛的文化，要讓他們通過和每一個北京人的交流更加了解北京，了解中國。
最後，我還要動員我身邊的每一個同學，大家一起學習文明禮儀，一起加強和宣傳環保意識，為北京奧運會辦成一個真正的「綠色奧運、人文奧運、科技奧運」從我做起、從現在做起。
「同一個世界，同一個夢想」，我希望我的夢想能夠變為現實。
Olympic Games and me
I am looking forward the Beijing Olympics on August 8, 2008 very much. This is the opening cenemony of the Beijing Olympic Games, and the day the world sports family gathering together, as well as the day Chinese people are really proud of.
As a small master, I really want to become a glorious Olympic volunteer, but I still too little to really become a volunteer. But I can still make contributions to the Beijing Olympic Games.
First of all, as a citizen of Beijing, I will use my enthusiasm and smile to greet every foreign friends from all over the world, and to show off our Beijingers』 friendly and hospitable spirit so that every foreign friends will know the city by the faces. Next, I want to learn English harder so that ring the Olympics I could speak to foreign friends and community in English, And do my best to help them, For example, be a little translator and to help foreigners when they ask way. Let them know China by the behaviors of us.
Again, I would like to learn more about Beijing's Olympic and for the future to our foreign friends knowing more about our beautiful Beijing, as well as the long history and splendid culture, I would like to mobilize each and every one of my classmates, we will study together and civilize etiquette together to strengthen and promote environmental awareness for the Beijing Olympic Games into a true "Green Olympics, People's Olympics, Hi-tech Olympics" from ourselves and from now on. "One world, one dream," I hope my dream will become a reality..
今天，立於國家博物館門前的奧運倒計時牌顯示出的數字表明，再過800天，我們熱盼已久的2008年第29屆奧運會就要在北京舉行了。
不闖燈、不越線、不酒後駕車、不亂停亂放……昨天，全市300名公交、計程車司機共同發出了「文明行車 從我做起」的倡議，為即將到來的第29屆奧運會做准備。
奧運漸漸臨近，作為我們普通的市民在興奮之餘，更應該用自己的文明行動來迎接奧運的到來。
奧運會不僅僅是一場體育盛事，更是對舉辦國、舉辦城市綜合素質的考驗，這包括經濟水平、管理水平等等，而這裡面尤為重要的就是市民的文明程度。
奧運會短短十幾天，數萬運動員雲集，城市交通是最讓人擔心的。北京路很堵是個不爭的事實，這跟城市的快速發展帶來的結果，但也不可否認與部分司機不文明行車有很大的關系。隨意並線、闖紅燈、酒後駕車等等，這些不文明的行為，不但給路添堵，更給人的心裡添堵。這次北京公交、計程車司機發出文明行車倡議，正是用自己的文明行動為北京交通的改善做貢獻，也是為奧運添彩。
當然，迎接奧運並不單是司機們的事，同樣也是各行各業的事。迎接奧運，並不需要多麼華麗的語言和盛大的活動，而是需要我們從自身做起，就如同司機要文明駕駛，行人需遵循規矩，商販應恪守誠信……
只有市民都文明起來，遵守法律、法規和社會公德，相信08奧運會一定會辦成有史以來最好的奧運會。
Today, in front of the National Museum of the Olympic countdown card figures show that just 800 days, we eagerly looked forward to for a long time, 2008 will be the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing. Not new lights, and not cross the line, and not drink driving, not Luantingluanfang : : Yesterday, the city's 300 buses, taxi drivers issued jointly "civilized journey starting with me" initiative for the upcoming 29th Olympic Games preparation. Olympics graally approaching, and as we ordinary people in the excitement I, but should use their own civilization action to meet the arrival of the Olympic Games. Olympics is a sports event is held to States, organized the city's comprehensive quality tests, which include economic level, the management level, and so on, which is particularly important that the public were more civilized. Olympic short 10 days, tens of thousands of athletes gathered in urban areas is the most worrying thing. Beijing Lu very block is an indisputable fact that, with the city's rapid development will bring results, but it is undeniable with some great drivers uncivilized traffic. Arbitrarily and lines, stop, drink driving, etc., these uncivilized acts, not only to Lu Tian Du, the more people they Tian. The Beijing transit, a taxi driver driving initiatives civilization is the civilization with their own actions contribute to the improvement of the Beijing traffic, but also for Olympic glory. Of course, the Olympics is not just a matter drivers were equally different things. The Olympic Games, how magnificent language and does not require a grand activities, but we need to begin to act, as the driver to drive civilization, pedestrians have to follow the rules, vendors should abide by integrity : : Only people are civilized, to comply with laws, regulations and public morality, I believe 08 of the Olympic Games will be the best Olympic Games ever.
The 2008 Olympic Games and I
The year of 2008 is getting closer and closer to us. We need to take actions from now on to prepare for the game. What we need to do most is to work on our disadvantages and shortcomings. As a student of Senior high, I can do my own part. Although I can』t transform our city into more a beautiful place on my own, I can help Beijing in small ways and encourage our classmates and people around me to follow my lead.
Let me take the environment for example, the atmosphere around Beijing is quite disappointing, factories and cars keep giving off exhausts into the air, we can hardly see the blue sky with our naked eyes, because the sky is covered with a thick layer of harmful substances. The sky is gray instead of blue. To our delight, the government has passed some laws of protecting the air, and we can do something useful, too. For example, whenever we go out for a long distance, ride the bike or take the buses and subways instead of taxis. You may not have a clue how it works. Of course doing that only by one person is far from enough, but we can let more people do that together. In that case the result may be more than we bargained for.
Another thing we need to work on is our English skills. Teachers and parents often put great emphasis on our English skills especially listening and speaking. I want to be a volunteer in 2008, to be an interpreter. For now, I must do something helpful to improve my spoken English. Rome isn』t build in a day, so is English. It can』t be improved in a day or two. It takes time and energy. There are no shortcuts to improve your spoken English; the most proctive way is to grab all opportunities around you to open your mouth. For instance, taking part in all kinds of English contests is a good way, you can meet some excellent contestants, and you can share the experience of learning and some good method of learning. I will keep participating in all English activities to polish up my English. I』m sure by the year of 2008, I will be able to master English well just as my mother tongue.
All in all, I』m sure that Beijing Olympic Games will be one of the most successful Games in history. I believe our long-cherished dream will be fulfilled in a perfect way!
譯文：
2008年奧運會和我
2008年離我們越來越近了，我們必須從現在開始採取行動，來為奧運會做准備。我們最需要做的，是克服缺點和改進不足之處。作為一名高中生，我們可以做我們力所能及的事情。雖然我不能光靠我自身的力量把這座城市妝點得更美麗，但我可以用自己的方式，來改變北京並且鼓勵我的同學們和我周圍的人和我一起做。
讓我以環境為例，北京周圍的大氣環境比較令人失望，工廠和汽車不斷地向空中排放廢氣，我們幾乎用肉眼看不到藍色的天空了。因為天空被一層厚厚的有害物質所覆蓋，天空成了灰色，而不是藍色。令我們高興的是，政府已經出台一些保護大氣環境的相關法規。我們呢，也可以做一些有用的事情。比如說，每當我們要出遠門的時候，騎自行車或乘坐公交車和地鐵來代替計程車。你可能不知道這會有什麼用。當然，只靠一個人的力量是遠遠不夠的，但是我們可以讓更多的人一起去做。這樣的話，結果才有可能收效顯著。
『拾』 急````求幾篇關於外國禮儀的文章（要英文的）
Appearance
Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.
Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much.
Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.
Casual dress should be conservative as well.
Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.
Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.
Behavior
Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.
Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.
Do not point when speaking.
To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm.
It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.
Avoid acts that involve the mouth.
Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China - See international business gift giving.
It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world.
It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.
The most acceptable gift is a banquet.
Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.
The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given:
Clocks
Straw sandals
A stork or crane
Handkerchiefs
Anything white, blue or black
Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.
Do not discuss business at meals.
Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.
As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.
Sample meals only, there may be several courses.
Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death.
Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.
Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry.
Women do not usually drink at meals.
Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.
Communications
Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first.
Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.
Introctions are formal. Use formal titles.
Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners.
Being on time is vital in China.
Appointments are a must for business.
Contacts should be made prior to your trip.
Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.
The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly.
Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision.
Present and receive cards with both hands.
Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.
The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status.
Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.
Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.
Christmas
People send each other cards and give gifts to their families and friends. In homes and in stores, evergreen trees glitter with colorful lights and ornaments. Children look forward to seeing a jolly, white-bearded man in a red suit named Santa Claus.
It all can mean just one thing: It』s the season of Christmas, a holiday celebrated every year on December 25.
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?
Christmas is a Christian holiday. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago. Christian churches hold religious services to celebrate Christmas. At midnight on Christmas Eve, most churches hold special candlelight services.
But Christmas is also a social and family holiday. It is a festival of goodwill, a time for family, friends, food, and gift-giving.
Many Americans share Christmas cookies, decorate their homes, and place presents under the family Christmas tree. Children often hang up stockings for Santa Claus to fill with small gifts. According to tradition, Santa arrives on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Presents are usually opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
THE STORY OF CHRIST』S BIRTH
The story of Christ』s birth comes mainly from the New Testament of the Bible, a holy book of Christianity. According to the Bible, Joseph and his wife, Mary, traveled from Nazareth to the town of Bethlehem. The town』s inn had no room for them, even though Mary was expecting a child. Her baby was born in a stable and placed in a manger, a criblike holder for animal feed.
In the fields near Bethlehem, an angel appeared before shepherds who were guarding their flocks. The angel told the shepherds that a holy child named Jesus Christ had been born. Other angels appeared and sang. After the angels had gone, the shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the child.
Three Wise Men came from the east looking for a newborn king. They followed a bright, guiding star called the Star of Bethlehem. It led them to Christ in the manger. There, they knelt in worship before the baby Jesus and gave him gifts.
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
The official Christmas season is popularly known as the Twelve Days of Christmas. It extends from the anniversary of Christ』s birth on December 25 to the feast of Epiphany on January 6. The Epiphany honors Jesus』 baptism and the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem.
THE ROOTS OF CHRISTMAS
No one knows exactly when Jesus Christ was born. For many years, local Christian churches celebrated Christ』s birth at different times. Then, in the ad 300s, the Roman Catholic Church set the birth date at December 25.
At that time, older non-Christian festivals were celebrated around Christmas. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival honoring their god of harvest and god of light. Other Europeans held festivals in mid-December marking the end of the harvest season. The Roman Catholic Church probably chose December 25 to give a Christian meaning to these older festivals.
The Orthodox Church, the Christian church in the east, also began using December 25 as the birth date of Jesus. But the Orthodox Church places more importance on celebrating Jesus』 baptism on January 6.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The custom of exchanging gifts at Christmas comes from the ancient Romans. During Saturnalia, the Romans exchanged tokens of good luck. Later, it became customary for Romans to exchange more valuable gifts, such as clothes or jewelry. The Biblical story of the Three Wise Men who presented gifts to baby Jesus also shaped this Christmas custom.
CHRISTMAS TREES
The tradition of the Christmas tree came to North America from Germany. Long ago, Germans began decorating evergreen trees in their homes at Christmas. They trimmed their trees with fruits, cookies, and lighted candles. German immigrants to the United States brought this custom with them in the 1800s.
Before Christian times, ancient people used evergreens for decoration and religious ceremonies. Because evergreens do not die in the winter, they came to symbolize eternal life.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
The Star of Bethlehem is one of the oldest symbols of Christmas. A star traditionally sits atop Christmas trees. Stars are used for many other Christmas decorations, too.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Lighted candles have always been a part of Christmas celebrations. The candles represent Jesus Christ, who the Bible calls 「 light of the world.」 Today, most people decorate their homes and yards with electric lights in place of candles.
MISTLETOE AND HOLLY
The custom of decorating with mistletoe at Christmastime dates to the Romans. They thought of mistletoe as a symbol of peace. They believed enemies would resolve their differences when they met beneath it. The Christmas custom of kissing under the mistletoe is thought to come from this ancient belief.
Holly, too, is a popular Christmas decoration. Its sharp, pointed leaves are considered a symbol of Christ』s crown of thorns. Christ wore the crown when he was crucified (nailed to a cross).
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Each part of the world has its own Christmas traditions. In many countries, gifts are exchanged on January 6 to mark the Epiphany. On January 5, the eve of the Epiphany, children in Spain leave grain in their shoes for the Wise Men』s camels. The next morning, they find small gifts in place of the grain.
In Mexico, singing children parade from house to house in a tradition called posadas. They ask for shelter, like Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem before Jesus』 birth. The children are turned away at many doors before they are finally invited in. Then, everyone enjoys a large meal, singing, and dancing.
In the southern part of the world, in places like Australia, Christmas arrives in summer. Australians often celebrate Christmas with a beach picnic! And Santa』s sleigh is said to be pulled by eight kangaroos!