In our present time, most people would say “hi” or “hello” as a form of greeting. For some they greet each other by shaking hands or by just waving their hand while younger generation greet each other with a high five or give me five as a form of greeting and approval or mutual understanding. Others still, would greet each one another especially amongst the people in the socialite world, politics and showbiz by kissing one another. We call this “beso-beso” in the Philippines.
In some parts of the world, some cultural groups don't do the same as we do. Instead they have a unique way of greeting one another. Let's find out how they greet each other.
The Tibetan Traditional Greeting
In Tibet, it is a courtesy that when Tibetan people meeting and greeting you, they will put their hands palm to palm near the chest and stretch out their tongue to show their respect. In return, you may put your hands near the chest and say “Tashidele” or good luck.
The Maori Traditional Greeting
Hongi
In New Zealand, hongi is the Maori form of welcome greeting expressed by the rubbing or touching of noses, something akin to the Western custom of kissing someone by way of greeting. The literal meaning of “hongi” is the "sharing of breath."
The Nepalese and Hindu Traditional Greeting
Namaste
In Nepal and in India, namaste is the popular greeting performed by pressing the hands together and holding them near the heart. The whole act communicates to the world “You and I are one. I salute and worship the God within you.”
The Eskimo Traditional Greeting
Kunik
In Alaska, Siberia and others, kunik is the traditional Eskimo greeting based on a traditional Inuit greeting. It is a form of expressing affection, usually between family members and loved ones, that involves pressing the nose and upper lip against the skin (commonly the cheeks or forehead) and breathing in, causing the loved one's skin or hair to be suctioned against the nose and upper lip.
The Mende Traditional Greeting
In Sierra Leone, the Mende are one of the two largest ethnic groups along with the Temne. The Mende traditional greeting is done by rubbing other's chin.
The Japanese Traditional Greeting
Bowing
And in Japan, bowing is probably the feature of Japanese etiquette that is best-known all over the world. Bowing is considered extremely important in Japan. Basic bows are performed with the back straight and the hands at the sides (boys and men) or clasped in the lap (girls and women), and with the eyes down. Generally, the longer and deeper the bow, the stronger the emotion and the respect expressed.
If you have an idea or knowledge about other unique or traditional greetings please feel free to share it with us. Thank you.
