Hospitality customs of the landed nobility of Belarus of late XVIII – early XX centuries

The article analyzes the hospitality customs of landed nobility Belarus in late XVIII − early XX centuries. rational reasons for perception this tradition public opinion privileged class considered period as an unconditional value are determined. A description main elements gift-giving customs; basic rules and norms given. mechanisms its functioning relation to different social groups shown. structure guest reception ritual is analyzed. Much attention paid phenomenon table manners article. importance and, particular, festive presentation status representatives identification intragroup differentiation noted. It noted that at same time it was a tool socio-political mobilization way preserve solidarity.