Confucius on Dining Etiquette

The Philosophy of Confucius is deeply reflected in Chinese food culture. He attached great importance to food and described it as one of the three basic conditions, along with an army and trust, for founding a state.

 

Confucius’s comments on diet are largely related to sacrificial activities. In The Analects of Confucius-Townsmen, there is the saying: “祭于公，不宿肉；祭肉不出三日，出三日不食之矣”, meaning the meat offered to the Emperor must be ate the day the sacrifice was held, but not to be left till tomorrow; the meat used as sacrificial offerings at home should not be ate after three days.

 

In The Analects of Confucius-Shuer, there is the saying “子食于有丧者之侧，未尝饱也”, meaning Confucius had never eaten his full by the side of someone who was in mourning for the death of a kinsman. Because he who was in mourning hadn’t eaten his full, those handling funeral affairs should have compassion too.

 

 

The saying “乡人饮酒，杖者出，斯出矣” means that when Confucius drank with his townsmen, he would leave the table only after those older than him left. Such “etiquette” reflects the strict hierarchy in the ancient Chinese society. There is another saying in The Analects of Confucius, “有盛馔，必变色而作”, meaning (Confucius) would change his countenance at the sight of a great feast prepared by the host, and he would stand up to express his gratitude.

 

Confucius recommends:

• Eat only at meal times
• Don’t eat food that smells bad
• Don’t consume food that is not well cooked
• Eat fresh and local; do not eat food out of season
• Don’t eat when the sauces and seasonings are not correctly prepared
• Eat ginger but in moderation so as to not increase the internal heat of the body
• Know the origin or source of your food
• The way you cut your food reflects the way you live
• Meat should be eaten in moderation
• Eat only until seven tenths full; control in portions promotes longevity
• You need not limit drinking, but do not drink to the point of confusion
• Hygiene is essential in food preparation

Confucian philosophy strongly believes that food and friends are inseparable parts of life. A life without food and friends is considered as incomplete and improper.