The History of Tipping

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Tipping actually has its roots in Medieval Europe. During that time period wealthy landowners occasionally would give small sums of money to their servants for good service. The gesture later evolved into a more formal custom. In the Tudor Era (1485 to 1603) guests of aristocratic households were expected to offer "vails" to the staff at the end of their stay. This became compulsory. In the 19th century Americans traveling in Europe began to mimic this custom back home. This was just as European immigrants familiar with the custom began to arrive in the U S. It was seen as deeply un-American, corrupting and even a threat to democracy. It took hold after the Civil War when newly freed Black Americans, with little options, entered the work force. Restaurants and railroads hired them but did not pay a living wage, so they had to rely on their tips. Some states banned tipping in the early 20th century but it was later repealed. In 1938 with the Fair Labor Standards Act a minimum wage was established (restaurants were excluded) and tipping was brought into law. Tipping remains the standard in the U.S. but remains a source of continued debate over both fairness and labor rights. Tipping being expected is much more modest in European countries and many have moved away from tipping completely. In places like France service charges are included in final bills by law.