1. United States, Canada, UK, and Europe- The Handshake: A firm handshake is a common greeting in both the United States and Canada. It’s a simple yet respectful gesture used in business and social settings to convey friendliness and professionalism. The Hug is another informal greetings among informal settings or close friends.
2. New Zealand – The Hongi: In New Zealand, the Maori traditional greeting entails the touching of one’s nose and forehead against another person’s, symbolizing a shared exchange of breath. Beyond being a simple hello, it embodies respect and unity.
3. Japan – The Bow: In Japan, bowing is a deeply rooted cultural practice utilized to express respect, appreciation, and sincerity. The angle and duration of the bow vary based on the context and level of reverence being conveyed.
4. Tibet – Sticking Out Tongue: Within Tibetan culture, protruding one’s tongue is a common greeting, believed to repel malevolent spirits and attract good fortune. So, if someone in Tibet sticks out their tongue at you, it’s actually a gesture of goodwill!
5. Namibia – The Handshake/Hug Combo: Namibia’s traditional greeting combines a handshake followed by a warm hug, utilizing the right hand for both actions. This gesture signifies intimacy and connection, fostering a sense of closeness.
6. Russia – Three Kisses: In Russia and certain Slavic regions, it’s customary for friends and family to exchange three kisses on the cheeks as a greeting. However, mismatched kiss counts can lead to amusing moments of confusion!
7. Mongolia – Sniffing: Among Mongolian nomads, greeting someone by sniffing them is customary. This act is meant to detect any unusual scents indicating illness or danger, symbolizing a gesture of hospitality.
8. Spain – The Double Cheek Kiss: In Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, greeting loved ones with a kiss on each cheek is customary. The number of kisses can vary from one to four, depending on the region’s tradition.
9. Poland – Hand Kiss: In traditional Polish settings, men may greet women by delicately kissing their hand, signifying respect and chivalry reminiscent of a bygone era.
10. Brazil – The Handshake + Pat on the Back: Brazilian men commonly greet each other with a handshake followed by a friendly pat on the back or hug, reflecting camaraderie and familiarity.
11. France – The Air Kiss: In French social circles, it’s customary to greet acquaintances with an air kiss on each cheek, without making physical contact. This “air kiss” can lead to lighthearted moments of misjudged distances and laughter.
12. India – Namaste:A widely recognized Indian greeting, namaste involves pressing the palms together in front of the chest and bowing slightly. It’s a reverential and traditional way to acknowledge another person, accompanied by the phrase “Namaste,” meaning “I bow to the divine in you. India – Aadab: Commonly used in North India, especially among Urdu-speaking communities, aadab is a respectful greeting accompanied by a slight bow or hand gesture toward the chest. It conveys politeness and reverence. Sat Sri Akaal: Predominantly used by Sikhs, particularly in Punjab, Sat Sri Akaal is a greeting that translates to “God is the eternal truth.” It’s often used to offer good wishes and blessings.
13. China – Bow or Nod: In China, greetings often involve a nod of the head or a subtle bow, particularly in formal settings or when showing respect to elders or superiors. The depth of the bow or nod may vary based on the relationship and level of closeness.
14. Thailand – Wai: The traditional Thai greeting, wai, involves pressing the palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing slightly. It’s used to demonstrate respect and acknowledgment, with variations in hand height and bow depth based on social status.
15. Philippines – Mano: In Filipino culture, particularly among older generations, the mano gesture is a sign of respect. It entails taking an elder’s hand and bringing it to one’s forehead as a gesture of reverence.
16. South Korea – Formal Bow: In South Korea, a deep and formal bow, known as keunjeol, is common in business and formal settings to show respect and deference. The depth of the bow may vary depending on the individuals’ status.
17. Vietnam – Handshake with a Bow: In Vietnam, a handshake accompanied by a slight bow is a standard greeting, especially in formal or business settings. It signifies respect
18. Arab Countries – The Salaam: In Arab cultures, the traditional greeting is “As-salamu alaykum,” which means “Peace be upon you.” It’s accompanied by a handshake or a slight bow, with the right hand placed over the heart. This greeting embodies peace, goodwill, and hospitality.
(Compiled from web sources)
Guchi.
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