In ancient times, social rituals were fundamental to community cohesion. Take classical Greece as an example, where social life revolved around a series of ritual practices that promoted unity among citizens. Banquets, known as symposia, were more than just occasions to share food and drink; they were spaces for intellectual and political exchange. During these gatherings, the most pressing issues of the time were discussed, friendships were cultivated, and social bonds were reinforced. Etiquette at these events was crucial: the way wine was served, how one addressed others, or the type of poetry recited could determine an individual’s status within the social hierarchy.
Moving forward in time, we reach the Middle Ages, a period where etiquette and rituals reached an unprecedented level of formalism, especially among the nobility. In the courts of Europe, etiquette was not only a means to maintain order but also a tool of power. The arrangement of seats at a banquet, the manner of greeting a king, or even the way one dressed were manifestations of loyalty and respect. Every gesture mattered, and a mistake in protocol could have disastrous consequences.
Investiture ceremonies, for example, were rich in symbolism. When a noble was made a knight, the act took place in the presence of the king and required an elaborate ritual...