History of emergence and codification of protocol procedures in diplomacy / Istoricul apariţiei şi al codificării normelor de protocol în diplomaţie

Protocol is an important part of diplomatic practice and it is linked with history, royalty, religion, culture and language. It is commonly described as a set of international courtesy rules. These well-established and time-honored rules have made it easier for nations and officials to live and work together, protocol rules being based on the principles of civility. Protocol and its auxiliaries ? the ceremonial, especially, etiquette and courtesy ? have constantly evolved along with the social and political changes that have occurred, over time, in each state. Today, protocol is a result of old traditions, beginning with the early days of civilization, when hospitality was offered to an arriving guest. In time, protocol has made the transition from religious ceremonial practices, which demanded the protection and the divine benevolence, to the secular types of ritual, expressing the respect and obedience to a ruler, an emperor. This paper introduces readers to the ceremonial aspect of protocol procedures and their development, to the behaviors of etiquette, the rules of courteousness in society and the respect for precedence.