Hospitality as Part of the Communicative Culture in the Merchant Environment of Siberia (Late 18th – Early 20th Century)

В статье представлена характеристика традиций гостеприимства, распространенных в среде сибирского купечества на протяжении конца XVIII – начала XX в. На основе источников разных видов, в том числе эго-текстов, созданных и самими купцами, и представителями других социальных слоев, выявлены такие составляющие приема гостей в купеческом кругу, как организация парадного обеда, сопровождавшие его увеселения, показано отношение к подобным мероприятиям современников. Отмечены происходившие с течением времени изменения в сервировке праздничного стола, вкусовых пристрастиях богатых сибиряков, совместных формах проведения досуга. Подчеркнуто значение хлебосольства как средства взаимопомощи, налаживания дружеских и деловых связей, проявления лояльности и уважения. Все это делало радушную встречу гостей и совместные застолья одним из важнейших элементов культуры общения среди деловых кругов региона, создавая новые возможности для укрепления собственного авторитета, развития отношений с партнерами по бизнесу и региональной администрацией. The article presents the characteristics of the hospitality traditions common among the Siberian merchants during the late 18th – early 20th century. Until now, insufficient attention has been paid to this topic, meanwhile, the reception of guests played an important role in the daily life and communicative culture of merchants. The article is written in line with historical anthropology, which focuses on the daily practices of ordinary members of society, on persons of the “second and third plan” with their needs and interests. Based on sources of various types, including ego texts created by the merchants themselves and representatives of other social strata, such components of the reception of guests in the merchant circle as the organization of a ceremonial dinner, entertainment accompanying the meal, and the attitude of contemporaries to such events are revealed. The article shows changes in the serving of the festive table and the taste preferences of rich Siberians, as well as joint forms of leisure activities. The importance of hospitality as a means of mutual assistance (which was extremely important for the vast spaces of North Asia), establishing friendly and business ties, showing loyalty and respect is emphasized. On the one hand, the assimilation of the general imperial norms by the regional culture is noted, on the other hand, the specific behavior of Siberians (with openness, sincerity, and willingness to help being more noticeable compared with the population of European part of the country), which has developed under the influence of local factors, is noted as well. All of this combined made a cordial welcome of guests and joint feasts one of the most important elements of the culture of communication among the business circles of the region, creating opportunities to strengthen their own authority, and develop relations with business partners and regional administration.