Why do the Chinese prefer round dining tables? A round table allows everybody to see everybody and everybody to be seen, without differentiation. But it does not mean that seating is egalitarian. The most important people (VIP) are seated facing the entrance, and the least important sit with their backs to the door. The legend: in ancient times, if an assassin entered, those facing the entrance had time to hide, while those with their backs to the door would be stabbed. Nowadays, this table etiquette is still largely observed in #China, for hierarchy and respect.
Chinese concept of ROUNDNESS emphasizes unity. Those sitting with their backs to the door, although physically the farthest from the VIP at the other side of the round table, are nevertheless in the central field of vison of the VIP. Hence, they are compensated. In the human circle around a round table, it’s all about hierarchy, respect, reciprocity and #harmony.
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