How a person greets another doesn’t just vary depending on their level of familiarity; it differs based on the cultures of those saying hello. A gesture that feels like a universal way to greet another party in one part of the world may not be used as widely as you’d expect. Additionally, an action that’s seen as rude in some countries may be a warm greeting in others.
Ultimately, different cultures say hello in a wide variety of ways. Here’s a closer look at just some of the unique greeting traditions from across the globe.
Greetings Around the World: How Different Cultures Say Hello
Handshakes
Shaking hands is a widely used greeting, being highly common in North America, Europe, and many parts of Asia and the Middle East. For North Americans and Europeans, a firm grip is common, while a lighter touch is preferred in most Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.
Handshakes are also a popular greeting in Ethiopia. However, the length of the handshake isn’t conventional outside of the country. Instead, it tends to linger on while people ask each other questions to catch up, and those who are close to one another may even kiss several times while the handshake is happening. Kenyans shake hands, too, and when greeting an older person, the younger one may use their left hand to hold the person’s forearm during the gesture, which is considered a sign of respect.
In The Philippines, handshakes are also widely used as a greeting. However, younger people may combine the gesture with a bow, pressing their forehead against the extended hand of the other person, typically a respected elder.
There is also a modification to the handshake gesture in Malaysia. During a formal greeting, a person may grab the other party’s hand with both hands and then bow before placing their right hand over their heart, which serves as a sign of respect.
Bows
Bowing is a common practice in many parts of the world, with Japan often being the most common example that springs to mind. The depth of the bow can vary, being anything from a slight nod to a deep bow coming from the waist. In some cases, getting on their knees before bowing may also occur, though this isn’t used as part of most daily interactions.
People from Thailand, Cambodia, and India may also use a bow. Typically, they bring their hands together in a prayer-like position and position the hands above chest level before bowing. In India, it’s common to accompany the bow with “namaste,” which can serve as both a hello and a goodbye. Many Arabic countries also use bows with hands in a prayer-like position. However, it’s also common there to bring the head down so that the fingers tap the forehead.
Cheek Kissing
Cheek kissing is another widely known way to say hello, particularly among the French. In France, kisses on both cheeks are a classic way to greet friends and even some acquittances. However, it’s not used with strangers, where a handshake typically serves as the greeting instead.
In Uruguay, a similar approach is used. Essentially, they do one air cheek kiss to say hello, and it’s used as a greeting when greeting men or women, regardless of the person’s gender. The same is true in Brazil, where a light kiss with the cheeks gently touching is the usual approach. Other Europeans and Latin Americans may also greet people with cheek kisses. However, the exact number can vary.
Touching Noses
In many cultures, touching noses (and potentially foreheads) is a traditional greeting. Among the Bedouins of the United Arab Emirates and Oman, rubbing noses while also shaking hands is common. Touching noses is widely used in Kuwait, Yemen, and many Gulf countries, too. However, its use as a greeting is typically limited to interactions with people of the same sex.
And an Inhalation
In some cultures, touching foreheads or noses isn’t the only part of the greeting. For the Hongi – a traditional Māori greeting that means “sharing of breath” – it’s also common to inhale the breath of the other person. It’s said to be a sign of unity and togetherness, making it a highly respectful gesture.
Inuit people from Canada and Greenland commonly put their nose against the face of the other person when saying hello, and breathing in while doing so is often part of the gesture. Usually, this creates a bit of suction, drawing in the person’s skin or hair slightly.
In Tuvalu, there’s a slight modification to the gesture. Usually, relatives will place their cheek against the cheek of the other person and then inhale deeply.
Eyebrow Raising
When it comes to discreet greetings, Micronesia may take the cake. There, a simple raising of the eyebrows can serve as a hello, essentially being a way to acknowledge the other party and ensure they feel seen.
Sticking Out Tongues
While many cultures would view a stuck-out tongue as rude or disrespectful, that’s not the case in Tibet. Instead, Tibetans – particularly Buddhist monks – may stick out their tongues as a way of saving hello. Often, the expression is coupled with bringing their hands together in front of their chest.
The tradition of sticking the tongue out as a greeting is said to date back more than 1,000 years. It’s associated with a legend that described a king – Lang Darma – who was known for his cruelty, and he had a black tongue. By sticking out their tongue, monks are showing they aren’t the reincarnation of that king. Essentially, it means that they come in peace.
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