The evolution of Chinese greeting etiquette before the Xinhai revolution

The culture of rituals and customs is an integral part of traditional Chinese culture. The ritual acts as a standardized norm and helps formalize everyday communication of people in China. The study focuses on the evolution of Chinese greeting etiquette before the Xinhai Revolution during the domination of Confucianism. Different forms of etiquette have been studied, depending on their emergence in China. The author conducts a comparative analysis of various Chinese greetings such as kneeling and hand gestures. The research elaborates on nine forms of kneeling. Kneeling played a big role in strengthening the feudal hierarchy; therefore, Chinese society paid much attention to it compared to hand greetings. However, when the Republic of China was founded in 1912, the ritual of kneeling greeting was replaced by standing. Greeting people by folded hands (standing) is still relevant today. It is a widespread everyday practice in Chinese society and an important part of Chinese traditional culture.