Page:A Pocket Guide to China (1943).pdf/21

 If your friend is well-to-do, his house will probably be surrounded by a high wall with a single gate. You will be led through a court to a big room which is the main room of the house. The general arrangement of the furniture in such a room is always the same—a long carved table is set against the wall facing the door, as you enter. Upon this table are ornaments, a pair of candlesticks, and an urn for incense. Between the candles hangs a fine scroll or a paint­ing, or a family treasure of some sort. In front of the long table is a square table, and on either side of this an arm­chair. The one on the right as you enter is the seat of honor. Do not sit in this until you are pressed to do so, as you will be pressed since you are the guest. The next most impor­tant person takes the seat across the table, and the chairs on either side of small tables along the walls grow less im­portant as they approach the door. In general, what is in­nermost in the room or the house is most important.

Next, your host will pour you a bowl of tea. He hands it to you with both hands and you must take it with both hands, saying "Hsieh-hsieh" or "thank you." Then you may set it down. Sweetmeats, if offered, should be eaten sparingly and always have a little left, to show you have had more than you can eat.

Thereafter follow your host's lead. If he is modern and informal, you may be informal. If he is old-fashioned 16