The greeting plays very big role in our life, because it is with this that communication between people begins. By saying hello, a person shows his attitude towards other people. And how successfully he does this depends on how their further conversation will turn out. Greeting how you can arrange a person to communicate, and push away.
Arab countries In the Arab countries, people put their hand to their chest and say "Assalam alaikum". This means that peace is wished to you from the bottom of your heart. You can shake hands with an Arab man, but women are greeted only with words.
Japan The Japanese are the most responsible for greetings. They use three types of bows - the lowest - for the most respected and rich, medium and light. Their greeting "Konnitiva" means nothing more than "the day has come". Moreover, you can say “Konnitiva” strictly from 10 am to 6 pm. Then "Kombanwa" - "good evening" comes into force.
New Zealand To welcome the natives of New Zealand, Maori, get ready for a little gymnastics. When meeting, the Maori first shout out words in a fierce and staccato manner, then slap their hands on their thighs, then stomp their feet with all their might and bend their knees, and finally puff up their chests, bulge their eyes and stick out their tongues from time to time.
Before leaving for an unfamiliar country, it would be nice to find out something about its customs and norms of everyday etiquette. How not to screw up, folding decent and not so gestures from fingers. Now let's deal with greetings in order to reach out in time and not grab for an inappropriate kiss.
Handshake
Where?
Europe, USA, Australia, some countries in Africa, Asia, Arab countries
Habitual for us, shaking a familiar person by the hand at a meeting is one of the most common forms of greeting in the world. Even medieval knights stretched out their hands to each other, as if saying: “my friend, look, there is neither a sword nor an ax in my hand.” And it was a real sign of trust. Among the ancient Greeks, the handshake was an expression of friendliness and hospitality. With such a pleasant meaning, it has survived to this day. But do not rush to pull your hand forward to everyone and everywhere - there are still nuances.
Today, almost all Western Europeans shake hands. The British have distinguished themselves a little in this matter: they prefer to slightly nod their heads, and they allow only good friends to touch their precious hand. In the UK, it is generally accepted to touch the interlocutor as little as possible.
In the United States, most often they shake hands in a formal setting or when they first meet. Making a round of the office to shake hands with everyone on a normal working day is not accepted here. Just like constantly shaking the hands of all the other people you often see.
And, if you still think that a handshake is an exclusively masculine gesture, then you are deeply mistaken. in the USA and Western Europe women often shake hands with each other and with men (in favorable situations). So here it is important not to get fooled and not be considered a person who is unenlightened in the topic of gender equality. And here Eastern Europe a little behind in this regard: here the woman herself can extend her hand for a greeting if she wants. Men, on the other hand, most often do not reach out to women first.
As for Asia, handshakes here cannot be called a traditional form of greeting. But, seeing a European, a friendly Japanese is likely to shake his hand in a Western manner.
In Arab countries, after shaking hands, men usually press their right hand to their hearts, which expresses respect and friendliness. Well, if very close people met, it’s not out of place to hug and even kiss twice. Arab women they don’t shake hands, but forget about kisses and hugs right away.
kisses
Where?
France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, Latin America, Arab countries
Greeting kisses are also completely different: from hot with passionate hugs to continuous imitation with minimal cheek kissing. Most often, well-known people kiss when they meet, so don’t hope (or, conversely, don’t worry) - no one is going to kiss you right off the bat.
If you still have kisses, it is important not to overdo it with their number. So, in Belgium and Italy they exchange two kisses, in Spain - three. In the Netherlands and Sweden they kiss three times, but in Germany social kissing is not accepted. In France, acquaintances (and even unfamiliar ones) release from two to five alleged kisses into the air, touching each other alternately with their cheeks. In general, in France, the number of kisses varies so much depending on the region that there is even a special interactive mapso as not to kiss indefinitely.
In Turkey, when meeting, men who are relatives or friends of each other usually kiss. In Arab countries, greeting kisses of men are also quite commonplace. But kissing with the opposite sex here, as we have already noted above, is an absolute taboo.
Embrace
Where?
Latin America, possible in Spain, Italy
Latin Americans usually express their emotions violently. This also applies to everyday greetings. So, if you are happy to see you here, in addition to standard handshakes and kisses, expect hot and sincere hugs. Most likely, only those who are seen for the first time will not get hugs (and even that is not a fact).
And yet remember that hugs are a rather intimate thing, it’s better not to be the first to hug in foreign countries. Well, you never know.
Bow
Where?
Japan, China, Korea and other Asian countries, India
In Asian countries, all these ceremonial things are loved, and bowing is still an integral part here. everyday culture. You can bow in different ways, depending on who exactly you are going to bow to.
So, the Japanese, seeing a friend or acquaintance, lean forward quite a bit, by 15 degrees. Deeper bows are usually intended for very respected people. Europeans in Japan usually shake hands, but it's best not to rush into physical contact with the first person. Personal space is a very important thing for the Japanese, and violating it own initiative- not the best idea.
In China, it is not very customary to bow to everyone - this is considered an exceptionally respectful gesture not for every mere mortal. The Chinese bow for everyday greeting is something like a normal nod of the head. Well, the handshake is becoming more and more common here, especially if you need to say hello to a person of European appearance.
You can also be greeted with a slight bow in Korea and Singapore. In India, women usually bow with their closed palms pressed to their chest, but men have already mostly switched to handshakes.
If you get lost and forget everything
We understand that it is difficult to remember the traditions of greeting all countries in the world. Therefore, if you suddenly get confused - just act according to the situation and do not sudden movements. You don't have to be the first one to hug and kiss another person unless you're sure it's appropriate. But a friendly smile and a willingness to lend a hand to a new acquaintance will help you get out of most awkward situations.
The handshake says "hello" in America, but the gesture is puzzling in other parts of the world. Each country has its own traditions. Here are a few unusual ways that people around the world greet:
In some African countries, young people have to do more than say "yes sir" or "yes ma'am" when addressing their elders. According to tradition, when talking to an older person, you should fall on your knees. It speaks of respect for them. And male children should actually lie in front of their elders and parents and wait until they are allowed to stand up.
And there's one thing you should never do, and that's shaking hands.
Americans don't really like to invade the privacy of others, but in France it's different. It is customary to kiss each other when they meet. Even strangers.
“These kisses look very funny, because very often the French don’t even know how many kisses to give,” says blogger Samson Adepoy. It all depends on the region or holiday. For example, on New Year's Eve, you can give an infinite number of kisses.
When Susan Eckert, owner travel company Adventure Woman, was a Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone, she learned that when shaking hands, you must bring your right hand to left hand person of a higher rank.
“This handshake implies that you respect who you are shaking hands with,” she said. People, after shaking hands, can also touch their right hand to the heart, enhancing the effect.
“When visiting someone's home in Costa Rica, don't knock. Instead, you need to shout "Ooooooooope!" says James Kaiser, author of Costa Rica: The Complete Guide.
It's a greeting you won't hear anywhere else in Latin America, is derived from the longer expression "Ave Maria Santecima nuestra Madre la Virgen de Guadalupe".
In New Zealand, you can say "hello" by rubbing your noses or foreheads. This tradition, called Hongi, comes from ancient tribe Maori from New Zealand. Others call this greeting "the breath of life." Even Princess Kate Middleton performed this very personal tradition when she visited the country in 2014.
When Doug Fodeman of Brookwood School in Manchester arrived to work as a teacher exchange at an all-girls school in Rwanda in 2012, he was taken aback by the local cheer. Here, to shake someone's hand, the person makes a fist, flips it down, and offers their wrist. Fodeman soon learned that if a person has dirty hands, he presents the wrist instead of the palm. And if both people have dirty hands, they will touch their wrists together.
If you're going to Fiji, get ready for a whole welcome ceremony. It's called "kava". During the ritual, you will have to drink a special brew from half a coconut, clap your hands and shout "Bula!" The drink tastes terrible, but it's part of the daily lifestyle here.
The greeting is a bit like Namaste in yoga and Sanskrit. The Thai Wai is a traditional greeting that involves pressing the palms together and then bowing the head forward. "Greeting each other with Wai is a sign of respect," says Jenny Shute, a Thai-American scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “The deeper the bow, the greater the mark of respect.”
Traveler Katie Reese, who visited the Masai tribe in Kenya in 2012 while on vacation, discovered a touching way to greet local children. Children bow their heads in respect to visitors to touch their heads and expect a return touch with the palm of their hand.
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When going on a long journey, do not forget to study at least the elementary rules of conduct adopted in one or another exotic country. A respectful greeting is the first thing that will not only ensure a good mood for you and those around you, but also help you make new friends.
IN Greenland it is customary to "kiss" with their noses, pressing upper lip and nose to face (nose, cheeks, or forehead) of another person. True, such a greeting is acceptable only between relatives, and is by no means used by strangers. Having met, the Greenlanders say: "Great weather!" - even if it is -40 °С outside. Nose rubbing as a greeting is common in New Zealand.
If you are lucky enough to visit Tibet, get ready to be surprised: instead of the traditional Ukrainian handshake, passers-by show their tongues to each other. The tradition originates from the 9th century, in which King Landarma, the persecutor of Buddhism, ruled. According to legend, the ruler had a black tongue. The Tibetans were afraid that Landarma might be reborn. To prove that You are not a cruel king reborn after many centuries, it is supposed to show the oncoming tongue.
In a Kenyan tribe Maasai before giving an oncoming hand, you need to spit on it. Also, representatives of the tribe can greet guests by jumping high. The unusual tradition comes from the adumu military dance, at the end of which the warriors stand in one line and begin the high jump competition.
IN Africa there are still tribes (for example, the Zulus) in which the words “I see you” are used instead of greeting.
If you are going to say hello to your french friends, don't forget about the famous "la bise" - a double kiss on both cheeks. French people they love to kiss when they meet and send from one to five air kisses.
Filipinos show respect for elders by bending down and pressing their forehead against their right hand. And if You also say the respectful “Mano Po” (“Let me have your hand, please”), you can count on a special location.
In Lapland, it is customary to rub noses when meeting. Keep this in mind if you're planning to spend Christmas in Santa Claus' home. And here eskimos lightly hit a friend on the head and shoulders (although only men greet like this).
And if you are taken into China, do not forget: they greet each other, bowing to each other with arms extended along the body, or exchanging remarks that are strange for a European: “Have you eaten rice today?” “Yes, thank you, and you?” In fact, no one cares if you had breakfast in the morning - it's just a tribute to tradition.
The Japanese greeting is a whole ritual. Inhabitants of the country rising sun bow to each other. Moreover, in Japan there are three types of bows: "sekerei" - the lowest bow, used for the most honored guests; middle - at an inclination of 30 °; light - at an angle of 15 °, as a sign of a friendly greeting. Bowing, the Japanese say: "The day has come."
Traditional greeting in India(the famous Namaste) looks like this: a person joins his palms, presses his hands to his chest and bends slightly. The word "namaste" comes from ancient Sanskrit and means "I bow to You".
An interesting habit of greeting exists in Zambezia: there they applaud the one they meet, slightly squatting. But in Samoa(island country in pacific ocean) friends sniff each other.
The traditional greeting of the inhabitants of Botswana - "Pula" - is translated as a wish: "Let it rain!" It is not surprising, because a significant territory of this African country is occupied by the Kalahari Desert.
IN Arab countries cross their arms over their chests, and some Indian tribes take off their shoes when they meet. IN Congo stretch out their hands towards their friends and blow on them.
Very nice hello Thailand. Such a greeting is called "Wai" - the palms are folded together and brought to the chest or face, bending slightly.
And if you visit Mongolian, be on the alert: when inviting a stranger into the house, the owners favor them with a khada - a long piece of silk or cotton. Take it with both hands and bow slightly. Accepting a gift with one hand is the height of disrespect.
On World Hello Day, which is celebrated today, we decided to compile a selection of different countries world of unusual ways to say hello that tourists should know about while traveling.
Tibet
At the mysterious Eastern people there is a curious custom, noted by the well-known naturalist Przhevalsky: meeting and saying goodbye, the younger Tibetan takes off his hat in front of the elder and, slightly tilting his head, sticks out his tongue. According to one version, in this way he assures the interlocutor that he is not possessed by demons, because it is they who have a green language. According to another, the tradition appeared during the reign of Landarma, the owner of the black language. After his death locals fearing the villain's return from world of the dead, checked whether any of the fellow citizens had the same black organ. Today, the tradition lives only among the elders of the people and Tibetan lamas - showing their tongue, they demonstrate a kind of reverence and respect for their fellow tribesman.
Kenya
One of the most famous tribes in East Africa, living on the border between Kenya and Tanzania, has retained its way of life and traditional way from ancient times, without being tempted by the blessings of civilization. The Maasai, whose exact number is unknown, consider themselves an elite among African peoples and were once one of the most formidable and militant tribes. To show their military power and agility, the most strong men tribes perform greetings traditional dance adamu: sitting in a circle, they compete in a dance to see who can jump higher. Before shaking hands, Masai men always spit on their hands, and women greet by touching the palm of the interlocutor's palm and performing a traditional song.
China
Instead of a greeting, the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire usually exchange phrases that are strange for any European: “Have you already eaten rice?”, “Yes, thank you, and you?”. And it does not matter at all whether you have already eaten or not - this greeting simply serves as a courtesy tribute, because daily bread is a very important part of Chinese culture. The famous koutou bows and the female version of wanfu, which originated as a tribute to important ceremonies back in the days of the legendary Yellow Emperor, are today used only by Chinese who have achieved old age and sacred traditions. Young people in China, like their European peers, tend to shake hands or even hug, however, in China, kissing at a meeting is completely unacceptable. Another unusual feature for us is if right hand the Chinese are not free, he will easily shake your left.
Thailand
Like almost any country that professes Buddhism, Thailand from time immemorial shows the level of respect for the interlocutor by touching the center of spiritual forces - the head, forming a special system of greetings called "wai". Thais greet the interlocutor from a distance, putting joined palms to the head or chest: the closer the palms are brought to the head, the more respectfully the resident of Thailand treats the person he greets. The one who is younger in age is always the first to greet the elder, crouching in a low bow, and in return receives a polite wai with his hands folded on his chest. The greeting of peers is intended to symbolize their equality: both interlocutors bow slightly, folding their hands near their chests, or shake hands in a European way. When addressing any monk, one should bow deeply with a salutatory wai at the level of the forehead, while not blocking the path - this shows the deepest respect for the servant of the Buddha. The most respectful wai should be reserved for the temple: you need to move to the altar on your haunches, and then bend down to the floor three times while sitting.
India
In order to greet someone, a resident of India will stop and, folding his hands near his chest and joining his palms, bow slightly - this is how the famous Indian Namaste looks like. The word, which came from ancient Sanskrit, in translation means: "I bow to you." With this gesture, the Indians turn to the divine principle hidden in every person, so the greeting applies to everyone, regardless of the level of wealth, age and gender. In India, no one will turn to a woman by shaking her hand or putting his hand on her shoulder, you won’t see hugs or kisses at a meeting - it’s customary to show respect here. Spiritual guides or parents should be approached with a low bow at the feet. Every year, Western methods of greeting are spreading more and more in the country - a casual "Hello" or a simple handshake, and Namaste is practiced only among those who honor the old traditions.
