The Ethics of Family Dinner Parties During the New Year Celebrations: An Intercultural Analysis of Rituals and Communication Norms Introduction: The Table as a Scene of Social Harmony and Hidden Tensions The New Year family dinner party is not just a meal, but a complex social ritual where table etiquette serves as a regulator of group dynamics, consolidation of hierarchies, and symbolic resolution of conflicts. In different cultures, dining etiquette norms are formed at the intersection of religious traditions, historical experience, and modern perceptions of privacy and individuality. Studying these norms allows us to understand how society models the ideal family at the moment of symbolic renewal of time. East Asia: Hierarchy, Respectfulness, and Collective Well-being In Confucian cultures (China, Korea, Vietnam), the dinner party is strictly regulated and serves as a visualization of family hierarchy. China (New Year celebration according to the lunar calendar, Spring Festival): Seating hierarchy: The most honored places (facing the door or in the center) are occupied by the elder family members. The young sit closer to the exit. Violating this order is considered a rude disrespect. Etiquette of serving and offering: One cannot start eating first — it is the right of the elder. Dishes should be whole (fish, chicken), symbolizing the wholeness of the family. Leaving food on the plate is a sign of respect for the hosts' generosity (indicating that there was an abundance of food). Communication taboos: Discussions about death, misfortunes, past debts are forbidden. The emphasis is on wishes for well-being, health, wealth. An important fact: The use of chopsticks is subject to strict rules: one cannot stick them vertically into rice (a gesture associated with funeral rituals), point them at people. Japan (O-sekku): Aesthetics and seasonality: Ritual food osusiri is served in special lacquered boxes (dzubbako), it cannot be prepared in the first three days of the fes ... Read more