Respecting Chinese Elders

by Dave

I have been to China three times and had meals with my Chinese wife's family. The one thing that impressed me is the manner in which adults respect their elders. My wife would serve her mother and aunts first at the table.

I had a hard time with my own food as my wife would always be helping me.

Her adult brother, being the youngest, would bend over backwards ensuring everyone else was taken care of.

My question: When does a Chinese child mature to the point of that same level of respect and care and assume his/her place in the hierarchy?


Dave


Victoria's Answer:


Hi Dave,
 
Glad to hear from you!
 
Respecting the elders and taking care of those younger is one of the traditional Chinese virtues.

As Chinese people, we were taught this virtue since birth.

When a child is 16 years old, he becomes an adult and should always remember:

• to respect those elders
• take care of those younger than him...

...otherwise people would think his parents didn't teach good manners. Most people would lose respect for him.

Best regards,

Share Your Tips for Dave

Have you been in a situation similar to this? What insights do you have about respecting Chinese elders? Pass on your solutions, experiences and tips for respecting Chinese elders

Comment here: Respecting Chinese Elders.

Or ask Victoria another question here.


Photo courtesy of Benoit Florençon.