Ladies First

Ask Yahoo
Thursday March 6, 2006

What is the origin of the phrase "ladies first"?

Speculation abounds about the origin of this tradition. Some say it began during Victorian times. Others believe it stemmed from men being concerned about assassination attempts and walking behind women when entering or exiting buildings. We don't know if they were using the women as shields, or if they were being chivalrous in fending off rear attacks.

Our favorite answer, however, comes from "By the Light of My Father's Smile," by Alice Walker: "It is because, in the early days, if we were permitted to walk behind the man, we would run away. If we were kept in front, they could keep an eye on us."

According to Chabad.org, a site that reports on Judaism and the Torah, the "ladies first" rule is a very old tradition. The story goes that when Moses was instructed to inform the people of Israel about the Torah, he was told to "speak to the house of Jacob, and tell the sons of Israel." Since the house of Jacob appears first in the instructions, and it refers to women, the theory follows that Moses had to speak first with the ladies. Probably a smart political move.

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additional information from http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=504&letter=E&search=house%20of%20Jacob

The principle "ladies first" has Biblical authority according to the Rabbis. The most important message of Moses to prepare the Israelites for the reception of the Torah on Mount Sinai was addressed first to the women and then to the men ("Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob [women], and tell the children of Israel [men]": Ex. xix. 3, according to Mekilta, ib. 2 [ed. Friedmann, p. 62b]).