Wine Pouring Etiquette’s Roots

“Way back in feudal times it was a custom, too. In those times, it told a man’s guests that if his flagon of wine was poisoned the contents of his own beaker would prove it.” – Pictured above- The proper positioning and proper number of wine glasses for the dining table, according to a 1940’s Canadian entertaining and etiquette book.

Etiquette of the Bottle

The waiter first pours a little from the newly opened bottle into your host’s glass. Why? Is it to cleanse the bottle of anything which passes off with the pouring of the first glass? No. Way back in feudal times it was a custom, too. In those times it told a man’s guests that if his flagon of wine was poisoned, the contents of his own beaker would prove it. So if a guest didn't see his host doubled up with the cramps, and his face working like a jumping jack, it was safe to conclude that the wine was all right, and the repast might proceed. – The Morning Union News, 1892

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia 

Curtsey Lessons for Queen Times 5

Practicing their curtsies, per chance? The Dionne quintuplets were the most celebrated siblings of their day and were famous around the world. Postcards, dolls, silver spoons and more, all carried the images of the fab five girls; Yvonne, Marie, Emilie, Annette and Cecile.

                                                                                         

         The Quints Meet the Queen 

Sturdy stock, these Dionnes! With Washington society already a little breathless over the oncoming visit of the King and Queen of England, up in Callander, Ont., the Dionne quintuplets are taking it all in their stride. These celebrated sisters are also going to have a visit with England’s top royalty. This week they’ve gone into training for the event, learning to recite the proper salutation and to curtsey without falling backwards or tumbling head-on at Their Majestie’s feet. But this week, and for years, that meeting will be just one more event in their busy lives. Today, a bit of drilling on the niceties of court etiquette. Next Monday, a “how-do-you-do” to the King and Queen in person. Week after that, a birthday party when the sprightly five of a kind celebrate their fifth birthday. 

Next comes June, and with it the tourist parade sweeping into Callander and up to the Dionne play-yard. But come tourists, photographers, cameramen, writers or royalty, it’s all one to the quintuplets. Keeping their balance and, on the word of Dr. Dafoe, remaining normal, healthy youngsters. Yet it must be admitted these Dionnes do have an edge. These five smart girls have already amassed a tidy fortune well past the half million mark. By the time their eighth birthday comes round, it’s expected to be close to a full million dollars. With riches and fame in their own right, Canada’s five little queens needn’t worry too much about that curtsey. They’re going to get along! – Coronado Eagle and Journal, 1939

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Etiquette for Canada

This is basic handshaking etiquette. Overall, it is good advice for any country where handshakes are expected — First, shake hands firmly. This gives the impression that you are genuine and confident. Hold the handshake for one or two seconds and shake steadily from your elbow. However, avoid an overly powerful handshake; Do not crush the other person’s hand in yours.

Customs and Etiquette Written 

for Those Moving or Migrating to Canada

There is a certain set of etiquette expectations that Canadians have in any professional or social setting, from how you shake hands to your basic manners.

First, shake hands firmly. This gives the impression that you are genuine and confident. Hold the handshake for one or two seconds and shake steadily from your elbow. However, avoid an overly powerful handshake; in other words, do not crush the other person’s hand in yours.

Making eye contact is an important, and often neglected, sign of mutual acknowledgement and respect. Also continue to make natural eye contact with others, without staring uncomfortably. If you’re in a meeting or interview with several people, move your gaze between the people in the room.

General good manners are also very important. Do hold a door open for someone else, male or female, let your boss exit the elevator first and do not interrupt others while speaking.

Don’t be shy to say “I’m sorry,” “Please,” and “Thank you.” While in some cultures, it’s all important to “save face,” which makes apologizing difficult, but in Canada those words can smooth things over quickly, instead of allowing ill feelings to harbour. Also, say “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me” when walking by a person too closely. Walking into somebody’s “personal space” is considered enough grounds for an apology.

If you did not hear something properly, do not say “What?”, but politely say, “I’m sorry, I did not hear what you said, can you please repeat it?” or “Pardon me?” Always make the other person feel confident and never bring them down.

Etiquette extends to your physical appearance as well. While Canada is a multicultural environment, there is something to be said for clean, crisp business attire. That doesn’t mean you can’t bring touches of your culture to your appearance, be it in colour or jewellery, etc., but subtle is best.

The same thing goes for grooming. Be aware of food smells clinging to your clothes, which can turn some people off. And personal hygiene. In other words, keep some breath mints on you!

Don’t forget to smile. It’s a sign that you’re a positive person, even in times of difficulty. When speaking on a phone, smile into the phone as well. While the person you are speaking with cannot see you, they can feel your smile radiate positive energy!

A few words must be said about etiquette with neighbours. Often, when you move into your first house in the new community, your neighbours will knock on your door. Most of the time they want to present you with a card or a gift basket, to congratulate you on your new home. Be polite to your neighbours, always say hi when you see them on the street. If you do not wish, there is no need to engage in a lengthy conversation, but it is important to acknowledge them when you see them.

Canadians are often more uptight about inviting people into their home. It is unlikely that they will keep the door open for you to walk in any time of the day to have tea. People will schedule parties or coffee dates, but most of the time this will be somewhere outside the house. Many neighbours live side by side many years, and never see the inside of each other’s houses.

If you do happen to invite people over, remember, that in Canada, people gather to socialize, not to feast! In many cultures, it is very important to serve a huge table of food. For many it is taken as an offence if somebody comes to your house, but does not eat what you serve them. However, this is not the case in Canada. When inviting people, place snacks or finger food on the table.

Another interesting thing to note is that neighbours are often very vigilant about rules. Canadians are brought up with an understanding that they must report a crime or any suspicious activity. Do not be surprised that the neighbour who gave you a warm welcome when you just moved in is the same person who called the by-law officer because your car was not parked properly. — Fom by prepareforcanada.com , March 2012

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Veep Breached Canadian Etiquette

Vice President to Theodore Roosevelt, Charles W. Fairbanks “Failed to Observe the Proprieties” while on official visit to Canada, upon the Quebec “ter-centennial” or “tricentennial.”

English Woman Says Vice President Fairbanks Did Not Conform to Etiquette

Vice President Fairbanks, according to a prominent English woman who has written to a friend in St. Louis, made the French and English Canadians furious by his failure to observe the "proprieties" at the ter-centennial festivities at Quebec.


The Vice President is accused of standing up, in his carriage and making speeches "to the crowd" as he drove along the street, of standing ahead of the host in the "receiving line" at the garden-party and with quarreling with the mayor of the city, all of which. according; to reports have not "tended to increase the friendly relations between Canada and the United States."


The writer of the letter went from England to Quebec to attend the ceremonies. On account of her prominence, she was in a position to observe the Vice President's movements and therefore the effect they had on the English and French Canadians.


It is said that Canadian officials managed, to keep Vice President Fairbanks' breaches of official etiquette out of the Canadian. newspapers. The French and English Canadians, as a rule, are at "daggers'-polnts" on most questions, but they seem to be agreed that the Vice President assumed a position far beyond his official importance at the festivities. As Fairbanks was generally regarded as the official representative of the United States, the offense is considered all the more serious. —St. Louis, Missouri, 1908

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia