What is the history behind the courtesy of standing up when a senior person/woman stands or sits at a table?

Question

In the military it is considered courtesy to stand up if you're seated at a table and a more senior person to you stands up or sits down at the table. The same is typically done when a woman sits down or stands from the table as well. What is the history behind this? Thanks.

I do understand the idea of it being a respect thing, but what is the historical reasons for this being done? Thanks.

Answer 1

A lot of that is European in nature and to understand it you have to delve a little into religion to explain it better.

You see deference was given to people who where closer to god then you are in life.

This was based on the Divine Right of Kings. Saying that God gave the Kings the right to rule and a Duke (kinda second in line) was given the right to rule his lands from the king who's authority was derived from god.

This continued down the ladder, King, Queen, Duke, Earl, Count, Viscount, Baron, Sheriff, Head of Household, Father, Mother, and then to Male children and female children.

Who every was higher on the ladder then you, or on the same rung for that matter, got deference, anything from a bow to standing up at the table when they arrived.

Now the standing when a Lady showed up was a thing of Courtesy or Noblese Obliges (Noble Obligation). A woman was given certain respects because they bore the children, at the same time they had many freedoms taken.

That is the basic reasons.

Answer 2

Respect. It's always about respect. Something not taught enough these days. Aside from the military rule, it is respectful for a man to stand when a woman of any age stands up or sits at a table. It is also respectful to give a woman your seat if she hasn't one available. Can't remember the last time I saw that happen. It is respectful to open doors for women and place their order first. I could go on and on.

Answer 3

Because being seated is more comfortable than standing, the ranking person or honoree should be seated before others. If the honoree is standing, so should others be.

Answer 4

I dunno. But to think that women are considered inferior to men these days! Well, in our provincial culture (Philippines) men court women as though women were deities. Men would sing to women outside the window. And then if the girl like it she'd hand out a candle. But if she doesn't, she has all the right to pour a bowlful of urine all over the suitor. Back in those days, women were THAT powerful.

Answer 5

I always thought people stood up for the elderly to help them in their chairs. I guess it would be out of respect since they have seen the world longer. I dunno, just talking out my bum!!

Answer 6

just fear