Vampire - part I

I would like to familiarize you with the very fashionable and popular phenomenon in recent times - vampires;)

Supernatural phenomena existed in the human consciousness since ancient times. They were mysterious, incomprehensible, and yet fascinating. In every culture, there are legends, and myths about ghosts. Magic and supernatural forms of existence were an important element of the old beliefs of peoples, even for our ancestors-Slavs. (Maria Janion writes about it in her interesting book “Niesamowita Słowiańszczyzna”« Amazing Slavic ». This myth is deeply rooted in the collective psychology. Over the next century, people became conscious of the unreality of ghosts. However, this area has continuously remained in the range of human interests and awareness. This is manifested in the works of eminent painters, writers and musicians. Also today, the creators of all sorts of culture, offer videos, books, plays, filled with mysterious characters. In every age, artists presented their ideas about spirits, ghosts, vampires in a different way. Vampires also performed various functions: once they were used to express the views the poet, other times to project the inner life of man, and in modern times, their role is primarily entertaining and commercial.

An interesting realization of the human imagination associated with the sphere of the supernatural are vampires. They are depicted in art, literature and film as children of night feeding on human blood, condemned to wander in darkness forever.

The first mention of blood-eating creatures takes us back to the times of ancient Babylon. However, this topic developed further in medieval Europe. This was done through the Wallachian prince Vladema III Tepesm called Dracula. He was a cruel ruler who punished the slightest transgressions very cruelly. After the assassination of Valda, the first stories and legends about Draculli king of vampires, a living corpse, appeared.

Vladem III Tepesm Dracula’a Castle

The Dracula figure has been used in many films, books, and a variety of arts. Vampires created by the artists initially aroused great terror among the public. Although it seemed that they see vampires as a fictional characters, but in the depths of their soul,they were afraid of Dracula, as if he was real. It seems that the mentality of people now differes only a little from the

ir medieval ancestors, who sincerely believed in the existence of the supernatural.

The legend of the monster aroused great terror in 1897, when Bram Stoker published his book titled "Dracula." It describes the history of transylvanian Count, a vampire living in the darkness, in a destroyed castle, who aroused fear among his people. As a vampire, he sleeps in a coffin by day and hunts at night. He sucks blood from his victims. Dracula has many magical abilities. He can take many forms, he doesn't have a reflection in the mirror, doesn't need to eat or drink. He can dissolve into thin air.

The first film modeled on Stoker's novel was a picture by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, titled "Nosferatu - Symphony of horror", which premiered on March 5, 1922 in Germany. This film was not only the first film about the topics related to vampires, but also the first horror movie in cinema history.

Preview

The main character played by Max Schreck. Schreck was a vampire with a bald skull, pointed ears, teeth sharp like needles, nervous movements of a hungry predator, and cruel eyes.

The figure, which was brought to life by Max Schreck was something new. He was inhuman, repelled strangers and that is why it was so scary. The actor who has played the vampire, fulfilled his role so well that there were rumors that he himself is a bloodsucker.

Special effects available today compared to those used in Nosferatu, may cause us to laugh. However, at that time the development of cinematography, the film became a huge success. Realistic and imaginative way of the presentation of the specter, has attracted crowd of viewers to cinemas. This means that the director has achieved his objective and the task of creation the vampire was done. Indeed, the main aim was to interest the biggest number of spectators, hence the basic function of Nosferatu was commerce.

The Best Scene of Nosferatu movie


whole movie

As I already mentioned, today's special effects cause that Nosferatu, may amuse. What's more, it should be noted, that today such a theme is generally the subject of jokes. Moreover, it is intended largely for young people. But we will talk about that, next time ...

Questions:

- Have you ever heard about vampire? If yes what?

- Describe your vision about vampire?

- Did you see some move about vampire or read some book about it? If yes, please give us some example.

- Have you ever heard about “Bram Stoker” book?

- Did you ever see "Nosferatu - Symphony of horror"? If yes, write about your feelings. If no, do you want to see it?

- Would you like to spend a night in Dracula castle?? If yes, why? If no, why not??

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD - part II

Santa Claus and other bringers of gifts...

Christmas has for many centuries been a time for the giving and exchanging of gifts, particularly between friends and family members. A number of figures of both Christian
and mythical origin have been associated with Christmas and the seasonal giving of gifts. Among these are Father Christmas, also known as Santa Claus,
Père Noël, and the Weihnachtsmann; Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas; the Christkind; Kris Kringle; Joulupukki; Babbo Natale; Saint Basil; and Father Frost.

The most famous and pervasive of these figures in modern celebration worldwide is Santa Claus, a mythical gift bringer, dressed in red, whose origins have diverse sources. The name Santa Claus is a corruption of the Dutch Sinterklaas, which means simply Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was Bishop of Myra, in modern day Turkey, during the fourth century. Among other saintly attributes, he was noted for the care of Children, generosity, and the giving of gifts. His feast on the 6th of December came to be celebrated in many countries with the giving of gifts. Saint Nicholas traditionally appeared in bishoply attire, accompanied by helpers, and enquired about the behaviour of children during the past year before deciding whether they deserved a gift or not. By the 13th century Saint Nicholas was well known in the Netherlands, and the practice of gift-giving in his name spread to other parts of central and southern Europe. At the Reformation in 16th-17th century Europe, many Protestants changed the gift bringer to the Christ Child or Christkindl, corrupted in English to Kris Kringle, and the date of giving gifts changed from December the 6th to Christmas Eve.

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!!! Watch !!! Santa Live WEB Cam - http://www.santaclauslive.com/

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The modern popular image of Santa Claus, however, was created in the United States,
and in particular in New York. The transformation was accomplished with the aid of six notable contributors including Washington Irving and the German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840–1902). Following the American Revolutionary War, some of the inhabitants of New York City sought out symbols of the city's non-English past. New York had originally been established as the Dutch colonial town of New Amsterdam and the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition was reinvented as Saint Nicholas. In 1809, the New-York Historical Society convened and retroactively named Sancte Claus the patron saint of New Amsterdam, the Dutch name for New York City. At his first American appearance in 1810, Santa Claus was drawn in bishops' robes. However as new artists took over, Santa Claus developed more secular attire. Nast drew a new image of "Santa Claus" annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the robed, fur clad, form we now recognize, perhaps based on the English figure of Father Christmas. The image was standardized by advertisers in the 1920s.

Father Christmas, a jolly, well nourished, bearded man who typified the spirit of good cheer at Christmas, predates the Santa Claus character. He is first recorded in early 17th century England, but was associated with holiday merrymaking and drunkenness rather than the bringing of gifts. In Victorian Britain, his image was remade to match that of Santa. The French Père Noël evolved along similar lines, eventually adopting the Santa image. In Italy, Babbo Natale acts as Santa Claus, while La Befana is the bringer of gifts and arrives on the eve of the Epiphany. It is said that La Befana set out to bring the baby Jesus gifts, but got lost along the way. Now, she brings gifts to all children. In some cultures Santa Claus is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, or Black Peter. In other versions, elves make the toys. His wife is referred to as Mrs. Claus.

There has been some opposition to the narrative of the American evolution of Saint Nicholas into the modern Santa. It has been claimed that the Saint Nicholas Society was not founded until 1835, almost half a century after the end of the American War of Independence. Moreover, a study of the "children's books, periodicals and journals" of New Amsterdam by Charles Jones revealed no references to Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas. However, not all scholars agree with Jones's findings, which he reiterated in a booklength study in 1978; Howard G. Hageman, of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, maintains that the tradition of celebrating Sinterklaas in New York was alive and well from the early settlement of the Hudson Valley on.
Current tradition in several Latin American countries (such as Venezuela and Colombia) holds that while Santa makes the toys, he then gives them to the Baby Jesus, who is the one who actually delivers them to the children's homes, a reconciliation between traditional religious beliefs and the iconography of Santa Claus imported from the United States.
In Alto Adige/Südtirol (Italy), Austria, Czech Republic, Southern Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Slovakia and Switzerland, the Christkind (Ježíšek in Czech, Jézuska in Hungarian and Ježiško in Slovak) brings the presents. The German St. Nikolaus is not identical with the Weihnachtsman (who is the German version of Santa Claus). St. Nikolaus wears a bishop's dress and still brings small gifts (usually candies, nuts and fruits) on December 6 and is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht. Although many parents around the world routinely teach their children about Santa Claus and other gift bringers, some have come to reject this practice, considering it deceptive.

Christmas - rather Jesus or Santa Claus day.

Spending this time with family or running throught shopping to buy a bucket load of presents? Christmas is everywhere, from the tedious adverts, repulsively tacky Christmas decorations outside houses and shopping centers, inside train stations, bus shelters, everywhere. But has the balance between the true value of Christmas and the commerciality that comes with it been tilted in recent years?

Where is the limit between Christmas commerciality and the faith?

At Google Trends we can check the newes worldwide trends also compareing things with eachothers. I would like to present a chart Jesus and Santa compare, but without any comment, thats belong to you.

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At the end a little story about Jesus and Santa... only for those who get used to SouthPark sence of humour.

You'd watch that movie on one's own responsibility. In advance I would like kindly apologize for all bed words that was included.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSQczYEeB2w

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

"... May all your Days be merry and bright and may all your Children be white..." E.Murphy

Christmas meaning (commercial or non-commercial event)

Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25, but this date is not known to be Jesus' actual birthday, and may have initially been chosen to correspond with either the day exactly nine months after some early Christians believed Jesus had been conceived, a historical Roman festival, or the date of the northern hemisphere's winter solstice. Christmas is central to the Christmas and holiday season, and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide (is one of the seasons of the liturgical year of most Christian churches), which lasts twelve days.
Although a Christian holiday, Christmas is also widely celebrated by many non-Christians, and some of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, Father Christmas (known as Santa Claus in some areas, including North America, Australia and Ireland) is a popular folklore figure in many countries, associated with the bringing of gifts for children.
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and
a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.

Etymology...

The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning "Christ's Mass". It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. "Cristes" is from Greek Christos and "mæsse" is from Latin missa (the holy mass). In Greek, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ, and it, or the similar Roman letter X, has been used as an abbreviation for Christ since the mid-16th century. Hence, Xmas is sometimes used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

Celebrations...

Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in most countries of the world, even in many whose populations are not majority Christian. In some non-Christian countries, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. Hong Kong); in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday. Major exceptions, where Christmas is not a formal public holiday, include People's Republic of China, (except Hong Kong and Macao), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Thailand, Nepal, Iran, Turkey and North Korea.
Around the world, Christmas celebrations can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions. Countries such as Japan and Korea, where Christmas is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, such as gift-giving, decorations and Christmas trees.

...December 25, ... January 6 or maybe ...January 7 - orthodox Churches.

While most countries celebrate Christmas on December 25 each year, some Eastern Orthodox national churches, including those of Russia, Georgia, Egypt, Ukraine, the Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and the Greek Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrate the Great Feast of the Nativity on January 7. This is because of their use of the traditional Julian calendar, under which December 25 falls on January 7 as measured by the standard Gregorian calendar. On the other hand Armenian Apostolic Church in Armenia and throughout the world celebrates Christmas on January 6.

Commemorating Jesus' birth...

In Christianity, Christmas is the festival celebrating the Nativity of Jesus, the Christian belief that the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament's Messianic prophecies was born to the Virgin Mary. The story of Christmas is based on the biblical accounts given in the Gospel of Matthew, namely Matthew 1:18-Matthew 2:12 and the Gospel of Luke, specifically Luke 1:26-Luke 2:40. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband Joseph, in the city of Bethlehem. According to popular tradition, the birth took place in a stable, surrounded by farm animals, though neither the stable nor the animals are specifically mentioned in the Biblical accounts. However, a manger is mentioned in Luke 2:7, where it states, "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Early iconographic representations of the nativity placed the animals and manger within a cave (located, according to tradition, under the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem). Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an angel, and were the first to see the child.
Christians celebrate Christmas in many ways. In addition to this day being one of the most important and popular for the attendance of church services, there are numerous other devotions and popular traditions. Prior to Christmas Day, the Eastern Orthodox Church practices the Nativity Fast in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, while much of Western Christianity celebrates Advent. The final preparations for Christmas are made on Christmas Eve.
Over the Christmas period, people decorate their homes and exchange gifts. In some Christian denominations, children perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity, or sing carols that reference the event. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity, known as a Nativity scene or crib, in their homes, using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. Live Nativity scenes and tableaux vivants are also performed, using actors and animals to portray the event with more realism.

Varied traditions...

Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporates regional and local cultures. For many Christians, participating in a religious service plays an important part in the recognition of the season. Christmas, along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance.
In many Catholic countries, the people hold religious processions or parades in the days preceding Christmas. In other countries, secular processions or parades featuring Santa Claus and other seasonal figures are often held. Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature of the season. Gift giving takes place on Christmas Day in most countries. Others practice gift giving on December 6, Saint Nicholas Day, and January 6, Epiphany (Christian feast day which celebrates the revelation of God made Man).
A special Christmas family meal is an important part of the celebration for many, and what is served varies greatly from country to country. Some regions, such as Sicily, have special meals for Christmas Eve, when 12 kinds of fish are served. In England and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey (brought from North America), potatoes, vegetables, sausages and gravy, followed by Christmas pudding, mince pies and fruit cake. In Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, fish often is used for the traditional main course, but richer meat such as lamb is increasingly served. In Germany, France and Austria, goose and pork are favored. Beef, ham and chicken in various recipes are popular throughout the world. Ham is the main meal in the Philippines.
Special desserts are also prepared: The Maltese traditionally serve Imbuljuta tal-Qastan,

a chocolate and chestnuts beverage, after Midnight Mass and throughout the Christmas season. Slovaks prepare the traditional Christmas

bread potica,

bûche de Noël in France, panetone in Italy,
and elaborate tarts and cakes. The eating of sweets and chocolates has become popular worldwide, and sweeter Christmas delicacies include the German stollen, marzipan cake or candy, and Jamaican rum fruit cake.
As one of the few fruits traditionally available to northern countries in winter, oranges were long associated with special Christmas foods.

Decoration...

Te practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. From pre-Christian times, people in the Roman Empire brought branches from evergreen plants indoors in the winter. Christian people incorporated such customs in their developing practices. In the fifteenth century, it was recorded that in London it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be "decked with holm, ivy, bays, and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green". The heart-shaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus, while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches, its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed.
Nativity scenes are known from 10th-century Rome. They were popularized by Saint Francis of Assisi from 1223, quickly spreading across Europe. Many different types of decorations developed across the Christian world, dependent on local tradition and available resources. The first commercially produced decorations appeared in Germany in the 1860s, inspired by paper chains made by children.
The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship. The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835 and represents an importation from the German language. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. From Germany the custom was introduced to Britain, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. By 1841 the Christmas tree had become even more widespread throughout Britain. By the 1870s, people in the United States had adopted the custom of putting up a Christmas tree. Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.
Since the 19th century, the poinsettia, a native plant from Mexico, has been associated with Christmas. Other popular holiday plants include holly, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. Along with a Christmas tree, the interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along with garlands and evergreen foliage.
In Australia, North and South America, and Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung from street lights and Christmas trees placed in the town square.
In the Western world, rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas motifs are manufactured for the purpose of wrapping gifts. The display of Christmas villages has also become a tradition in many homes during this season. Other traditional decorations include bells, candles, candy canes, stockings, wreaths, and angels.
In many countries a representation of the Nativity Scene is very popular, and people are encouraged to compete and create most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom. Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night, the evening of January 5. The traditional colors of Christmas are pine green (evergreen), snow white, and heart red.

PART IV - Japanese Business Etiquette

Japanese Business Etiquette

As you know Japanese has strong sense of hierarchy and honor. There are many unwritten laws regarding etiquette and manners that apply to the business world. Nobody will expect a foreigner to know all these 'codes', but knowing a few of the basics will go along way to smoothing the path to success in Japan.

When meeting anyone in a business environment for the first time, it is customary to exchange "meishi" (business cards). On receiving a person's meishi, accept it with both hands and then study carefully what is written on it. Very often business cards will have Japanese on one side and English on the reverse, so you should be able to understand what is written.

example Meishi




Japanese business cards:

o In Japanese business etiquette, Japanese business cards are a 'must have'. Carry at least 100 for a 1 week business trip to Japan and expect to give out 3 - 4 Japanese business cards at a small meeting and as many as 10 - 12 at a larger meeting. Have double-sided Japanese business cards printed with the Japanese language side being custom designed using the same elements as the English side. If your original business card is not English (i.e. German, French, Spanish etc.) then use double-sided English and Japanese business cards when doing business in Japan.

o Never flick, throw, slide, lob or otherwise push your Japanese business card across the table - always present your Japanese business card holding it with both hands, Japanese-language side facing forward (having your company logo at the top of the Japanese-language side will help you orientate it correctly!), to the most senior member of the Japanese party first, bowing slightly as you do so and then on down the corporate ladder.

o Accept a Japanese business card with respect, using both hands, saying 'Thank you'
or 'Hajimemashite' as you do so.

o Never write notes on a Japanese business card - never! Carry a small note book to write down notes or enter them into your PDA.

o Never fidget or play with a Japanese business card.

o Keep your Japanese business cards in a proper carrying case and treat them with respect


Visiting the office

When visiting the office of a business associate, you will probably be shown into a meeting room and asked to wait. Most meeting rooms consists of four or more chairs set around a table. As the honored guest it is important that you take the seat furthest from the door and you should stand up and shakes hands when someone comes in the room. When receiving guests you would reverse the process, with you sitting on the side closest to the door, with the senior member of your party furthest from the door on your side.

Within your own office life can be somewhat more relaxed although a certain amount of ceremony, involving lots of bowing and scurrying around, will be observed when senior managers are present. Generally though a nod of recognition is fine for those you work with, perhaps together with a comment on the weather or a similar subject. On arriving at your office in the morning a loudly spoken "ohaiyo gozaimasu" or "Good morning" should suffice with an equally loud "osaki ni shitsure shimasu" (literally "excuse my rudeness for leaving before you") when you leave at the end of the day. This will in turn be usually answered by a chorus of "gokurosama" or "o-tsukaresama", by those remaining behind.

Confrontation is frowned upon and avoided in Japanese society and this applies to the business world too. It is impossible to get a straight answer from a Japanese counterparty in a business environment and that every request is met with an uncommitted remark. In this situation, it is important not to get pushy but just go with the flow. Even though a definite no or yes is not forthcoming, you more than likely are making progress and you will eventually get to a situation where everyone agrees, although it may not be at that particular time. Try to get a confirmed date when you can expect to receive an answer and make it clear what you are hoping to achieve, while still respecting the integrity of the other party.

The final point to be aware of is the perennial worry that both Japanese and foreigners have when they meet - should one bow or shake hands. It is not uncommon for a Japanese company to require all it's new employees to go through a rigorous training to ensure that they know to what angle they should to, to whom and in what situation. No one will expect you to understand to that level. A simple extended nod of the head followed by a short handshake is probably the easiest compromise, but as long as you show the counterparty respect and politeness, all will be content.

Did you notice such rules between Polish businessmen?
Don't you think some of these Japanese rules and described habits are weird a bit?
Do you know other interesting Japanese rules?

PART III: Japanese manners and etiquette

Japanese attach much importance to proper behavior and etiquette, which have developed in order to allow relationships to be as smooth and free of tension as possible. Tradition, form and protocol are highly valued.

Greetings

Japanese customarily bow to each other rather than shake hands upon meeting. However, most Japanese accustomed to dealing with foreigners expect to shake hands with them and are rarely embarrassed when a foreigner offers his hand. A frequently used compromise is a handshake a accompanied by slight bow. Japanese do not mind being touched in impersonal situations like subway car, but they seldom prefer anything more than handshake in a personal situation.

Communication

Most Japanese are addressed by their last name. The title san is attached to all names, male and female. It is sexless combination of Mr., Mrs. and Ms. Another title you may often hear used is sensei used for teachers, elders, artists, politicians or others in respected positions.

Japanese are generally very soft spoken; using a quiet tone while speaking will be appreciated. Japanese are at ease with long pauses in conversation, and tend to stand rather far apart during conversation. When japanese try to make a point, they usually start around the edged and lead into the main point carefully.

Name Cards

Proper handling of name cards, or meishi is important in Japan. When offered a name card in a meeting, accept it with both hands, examine it for a few seconds, then place it on the table or desk. the name card should be kept out for the entire meeting, for it is considered to ignore name cards.


Tips

Tips are rarely expected in Japan. You should not tip in taxis, restaurants or hotels; in fact Japanese frequently refuse to accept tips even when offered. Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a 10 - 15 percent service charge.

Shoes

You may wear your street shoes into all Western-style restaurants and office buildings. However, at traditional Japanese restaurants, private homes, and many temples and other tourist sites, you will be expected to remove your shoes before stepping inside.

Dining

The place of honor in a traditional Japanese dinner party is directly in front of the tokonoma, an elevated alcove which usually contains a scroll hanging on the wall and an ornament or flower arrangement on the floor. At the beginning of the dinner, the host will raise his cup in a toast (kampai) to all present.

(tokonoma)

Useful Phrases

Japanese is spoken almost without stress or emphasis on syllables or words.

• Good Morning Ohayo gozaimasu
• Good Day Konnichi-wa
• Good Evening Konban-wa
• Goodbye Sayonara
• Good night (before sleeping) Oyasuminasai
• Thank you Domo arigato gozaimasu
• I'm sorry Sumimasen

Useful Advices:

• NOT BE LATE for appointments.
• Do not chew gum when working or in other formal situations.
• When Japanese start work at 9 AM, they START WORK at 9 AM.
• Avoid lots of jewelry or very colorful clothes when going to work.
• It's polite to put "-san" after anothers name, or "-chan" after a young girls name, or "-kun" after a boy's name, but NEVER use these after your own.
• For taxis the driver will open/close the rear left hand door for you.
• It's polite to belittle the value of your gift or food when you offer it, even if it's blatantly untrue.
• After coming back from a vacation it is normal to bring a small gift for all those you work with, even if you don't really like them a lot. Nothing expensive is required,however.
• It's polite to bring some food(gift - wrapped in more formal situations) or drinks when you visit someone.
• Gift giving is very important in Japan, but extravagant gifts require an equally or slightly higher extravagant gift in return. Avoid giving pricey gifts.
• Giving cash is normal for ceremonies like weddings and funerals; but give in special envelopes with a printed or real tie around it (available in stationary and convenience stores). Use new and not old bills.
• It's polite to initially refuse someone's offer of help. Japanese may also initially refuse your offer even if they really want it. Traditionally an offer is made 3 times. It may be better to state you'll carry their bag, call a taxi, etc., instead of pushing them to be polite and refuse.

Japanese table manners example:






What do you think about refuse help by Japanese ?
Did Polish and Japanese habits different so much?
What is your opinion?
Give example of Japanese habits if you know them and explain.