"The practices and forms prescribed by social convention and authority", that is the definition of etiquette from the American traditional dictionary. Probably you would be not satisfied of this definition. You will ask, "When did such practices and forms turn out to be etiquette? How did authority prescribed these practices? What was the social convention?" A great many factors contribute to the etiquette's forming. One of these factors came from the mysterious middle ages.
In middle ages, a number of armored mounted warriors devoted themselves to their lord and country. They had the brilliant personalities and qualities, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women. They were called knights. At that time, knights were adorned and worshiped by the whole society. Their nice behaviors gradually turned out to be the medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood so that everybody would like to behave like a knight. Because of their personal merit or service to the country, a nonhereditary title was conferred on them. With the recognition from the citizens and authorities, the manners and behaviors of knights influenced the etiquette dramatically. To some extent, in ancient time, "man is a slave to etiquette" (Frederick W. Robertson). They were willing to behave in a good manner and act according to the etiquette just like a knight.
Now, everything is changed, etiquette is no exception. "Quixote" became everybody's laughter. People didn't trust knights and behave like knights any more. The society is in the process of deconstruction. In the ancient time, because of their weakness, people had great dependence on their social and community meanwhile their ids were controlled and confined by a lot of superegos, such as regulations, guidelines and etiquettes. In the modern society, on the contrary, with the development of the industry and the hi-technology, people gradually realize that they became strong.
