How they say hello in different countries of the world. Greeting traditions in different countries
On World Greetings Day, celebrated today, we decided to compile a selection of accepted different countries peace unusual ways greetings that tourists should know about while traveling.
Tibet
The mysterious eastern people have a curious custom, noted by the famous naturalist Przhevalsky: when meeting and saying goodbye, the younger Tibetan takes off his hat in front of the older one and, slightly bowing his head, sticks out his tongue. According to one version, in this way he assures his interlocutor that he is not possessed by demons, because they are characterized by a green tongue. According to another, the tradition appeared during the reign of Landarma, the owner of the black tongue. After his death local residents, fearing the return of the villain from world of the dead, they checked to see if any of their fellow citizens had the same black organ. Today, the tradition lives only among the elders of the people and Tibetan lamas - by 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 preserved its way of life and traditional way of life since ancient times, without being tempted by the benefits of civilization. The Maasai, whose exact numbers are unknown, consider themselves elite among African peoples and were once one of the most formidable and warlike tribes. To show your military might and agility, the most strong men when greeting the tribe they perform traditional dance Adamu: sitting in a circle, they compete in a dance to see who can jump the highest. Before shaking hands, Maasai men always spit on their hand, and women greet each other by touching their palm to the palm of their interlocutor and singing a traditional song.
China
Residents of the Celestial Empire, instead of greetings, usually exchange phrases that are strange for any European: “Have you eaten rice yet?”, “Yes, thank you, and you?” Moreover, it does not matter at all whether you have already eaten or not - this greeting simply serves as a tribute to politeness, because daily bread is a very important part of Chinese culture. The famous koutou bow and the ladies' version of wanfu, which originated as a tribute during important ceremonies back in the days of the legendary Yellow Emperor, are today used only by the Chinese who have reached old age and religiously observe traditions. Young Chinese residents, like their European peers, tend to shake hands or even hug, although in China kissing when meeting is completely unacceptable. Another unusual feature for us is that if a Chinese person’s right hand is not free, he will easily shake your left one.
Thailand
Like almost any country professing Buddhism, Thailand has from time immemorial shown the level of respect for the interlocutor by touching the center of spiritual forces - the head, having formed a special greeting system called “wai”. Thais greet their interlocutor from a distance by placing their joined palms to the head or chest: the closer the palms are brought to the head, the more respectful a Thai person is to the person he is greeting. 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. Greeting peers is intended to symbolize their equality: both interlocutors bow slightly, folding their hands near their chests, or shake hands in a European manner. When addressing any monk, one should bow deeply with a greeting wai at the level of the forehead, without 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 three times to the floor while sitting.
India
In order to greet someone, a resident of India will stop and, folding his arms near his chest and joining his palms, bow slightly - this is what the famous Indian Namaste looks like. The word, which came from ancient Sanskrit, translated means: “I bow to you.” With this gesture, Indians turn to the divine principle hidden in every person, so the greeting extends to everyone, regardless of income level, age and gender. In India, no one will approach a woman by shaking her hand or putting a hand on her shoulder; you will not see hugs or kisses when meeting her - here it is customary to show respect. You should approach spiritual mentors or parents by bowing low at your feet. Every year, Western methods of greeting - a casual "Hello" or a simple handshake - are becoming more common in the country, and Namaste is practiced only among those who honor old traditions.
Every culture has certain rules greetings. In some countries, the greeting is so unusual that it causes surprise and smiles among representatives of other cultures.
10 types of greetings different nations world:
1.
One of the most unusual ways to greet each other is custom of the Tibetans.
When they meet, they stick out their tongues. This tradition has a long history and dates back to the 9th century, to the reign of the Tibetan persecuting king Landarm, who allegedly had a black tongue. The Tibetans were afraid that Landarma would be reincarnated, so in order to prove that they were not evil, they began to greet each other by sticking out their tongues. Thus, sticking out the tongue signals that the person is not possessed by demons.
2. Indigenous people of New Zealand (Maori) When they meet, they touch each other's noses, thereby symbolizing the breath of life.
3. In Japanese culture It is customary to bow when meeting.
There are 3 types of bows: short and a slow bow expressing deep respect; average bow (at an angle of 20-30 degrees) with a delay of several seconds and small tilt of the head and torso.
4. Indian greeting “Namaste” (literally “Bow to you”) is accompanied by a slight tilt of the head and folded palms up at chest level.
The higher the level of the person you greet, the higher your palms should be. The highest level is at forehead level.
5.
Traveling around Kenya, you can become an eyewitness to the unusual greetings from the Maasai tribe.
The warriors form a circle and begin to compete with each other in the height of their jumps, thereby showing the guests their strength and courage.
6. Welcome "VAI" to Thailand - placing joined palms to the chest or head: the closer the palms are brought to the head, the more respectful a Thai resident is to the person he greets.
7. By ancient custom residents of Mongolia As a greeting, they may present a strip of silk or cotton - khadu - in white, light blue or light yellow, and in some regions smoking pipes and snuff boxes are used instead.
8. In France In an informal setting, even unfamiliar people perform a symbolic kiss when they meet, taking turns touching each other’s cheeks. The French greeting sounds: “How is it going?”
9. In the Philippines, when they greet an elder, they gently take his hand and press it to their forehead. This gesture is called "Mano" and is used to show respect. 
10. Handshake- the most common greeting, widely used in American, Slavic and most European cultures.
Events
In most countries of the world, the handshake is a universal form of greeting, expressing an emotional connection between people by physically shaking hands. But in many places, greetings are accompanied by more complex rituals.
For example, in Europe people like to kiss each other when greeting each other, and many countries have rules about how often to kiss and which cheek to start with. Even shaking hands is not such a simple ritual in some countries.
And, despite the fact that most people will correctly understand a handshake, knowledge national customs will always ensure you the favor of the locals.
Handshakes
The ancient Greeks shook hands with each other just as we do now, and this was a gesture of friendliness, hospitality and trust. IN medieval Europe, kings and knights extended their hands to each other to show that they had no weapons and were not doing any harm to the other person. This gesture is also meant equality, in contrast to bowing and kissing hands, which signified differences and dominance of one person over another. When shaking hands, both participants should be at the same level to show the same level of respect. It also reduces the physical barrier that usually separates and protects us. The other participant does the same, forming a connection. mutual security.
Shaking hands can also be a way of appreciating someone you meet for the first time. Anyone who has ever gone to an interview or business meeting knows the value a firm handshake that means you are confident and in control, in contrast to a limp handshake, which expresses uncertainty and indecision.
Different types handshakes
The handshake is accepted all over the world, especially in Europe and North America. It is universal and at the same time individual, since in different places people impose distinctive characteristics on it.
For example, in the Philippines people shake hands lightly. In Malaysia, the greeting gesture involves shaking the other person's hand, pulling the hand towards your chest and asking, "Where are you going?"
Residents of Benin grab their fingers when shaking hands, lightly touching their palms and fingers, asking: “How did you wake up?”
In Grenada the handshake is bigger resembles punching, and in South Africa the ritual of clasping pinkies, shaking fists, and clasping pinkies again has become common on many streets in the United States.
In Singapore, daters also return their palms to their chests, leaving them over the heart to show placement.
Kisses
In some countries, a handshake is not enough to show your affection for the interlocutor, and from you expect a mutual kiss, a universal sign of deep affection.
Kissing rituals are prevalent in Europe and can be quite complex. Parisians kiss four times on both cheeks, always starting with the left cheek. If you are in Brittany, then here they kiss three times, Cote d'Azur five or six times, but in other areas of France two times is enough. Two kisses when greeting are also the rule in Spain, Austria and Scandinavia, but In Spain you must always kiss on the right cheek.
In the Netherlands, you kiss three times, starting and ending on the same cheek, and several more times if you are kissing older people and close family members. Age also plays a role in Belgium, where people kiss once with people the same age, and three times with people who are ten years or more older.
A in Oman, men kiss each other on the nose when greeting.
Bows
Of course, shaking hands and kissing are not the only ways to greet each other. In many Asian countries there are different variants bow as a greeting.
In Arab and Muslim countries, when greeting, people fold their hands as if in prayer and bow to show their appreciation to another. In many countries, it is also common to hug close friends and family members.
Of course, it is quite difficult to remember all the ways in which people around the world show their hospitality and respect.
If in doubt, remember that a confident but gentle handshake, usually with the right hand, a smile and an openness will be accepted in most countries.
You can also just wait and repeat what your interlocutor does. And don’t be surprised if suddenly someone starts kissing your nose or smelling your cheeks.
The way people say hello depends greatly on where they live. It's a way to show respect for others, so oh unusual customs It’s worth getting to know other countries before traveling, so the locals will treat you more sympathetically. In addition, it is always useful to understand traditions and customs different cultures. So, how do people from different countries behave when meeting? Let's find out!
Philippines
The people of the Philippines use a beautiful gesture called mano, which helps show respect for elders. They take the older man's hand and press their forehead against it in a gentle motion. Considering that many Asians profess Confucianism, where elders have great value, the essence of such a greeting becomes quite clear. 
Japan
The Japanese greet each other with a bow. Depending on the situation, the duration and angle of the bow may vary. For Japanese culture ceremonies are of great importance, so you should definitely understand all the intricacies of bowing if you have to communicate with the Japanese. 
India
People in India say the word "namaste" and raise their arms in front of their chests, clasping their palms and pointing their fingers upward. If you have practiced yoga at least once, you are probably familiar with this hand position and this phrase. 
Thailand
The greeting in Thailand is similar to the Indian one, it is called wai. This is a prayer-like gesture, which is accompanied by a slight bow. Bowing allows you to emphasize respect for your interlocutor. 
France
In France, people prefer to kiss on the cheeks when meeting. Of course, this applies to cases when people have not seen each other for a long time and are going to chat; when meeting a neighbor, it is enough to simply say hello, as in other European countries. 
New Zealand
New Zealand Maoris greet each other with the traditional hongi, which requires two people to press their noses and foreheads together. It turns out to be a very sweet and unusual gesture. 
Botswana
In Botswana you need to complete a series simple movements to properly greet a friend. Extend your right arm forward and place your left arm on your right elbow. Touch the other person's hand by reaching out to them thumb, and then return to the starting position. After this you should say “lae kae”, this is a way to ask about business. 
Mongolia
Guests in Mongolia are given a special ceremonial hada scarf. It should be received carefully, extending both hands and bowing slightly to show respect. 
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, people use the handshake and the words "As-salaam alaikum", which means "peace be upon you." This is usually followed by touching noses by placing one hand on the other person's opposite shoulder. This is how men greet men; Muslim women, of course, do not come into such close contact with their interlocutor. 
Tuvalu
The traditional greeting among the inhabitants of the Polynesian island involves taking a deep breath with the cheeks pressed to the gums. 
Greece
A common Greek greeting is a pat on the back or shoulder of someone you know. 
Kenya
Maasai warriors from Kenya welcome newcomers with a dance ceremony in which they stand in a circle and compete to see who can jump the highest. 
Malaysia
Malaysians touch the fingers of both hands and then place their palms on their hearts. 
Tibet
Tibetans stick out their tongues slightly when greeting them to show that they are not the reincarnation of a ruthless ninth-century Tibetan king. Rumor has it that he had a black tongue.
The most common greeting gesture for us is a handshake. But even in this there are differences: in Russia, for example, the man is supposed to greet first, and extend his hand to the woman (if she deems it necessary), and in England - reverse order. But in any case, He takes the glove off his hand, and She doesn’t have to (but in this case, you shouldn’t realize the intention of kissing the lady’s hand instead of shaking hands).
In a Tajik family, the owner of the house, when receiving a guest, shakes the outstretched hand with both of his own as a sign of respect.
In Saudi Arabia similar cases after the handshake, the head of the receiving party puts his left hand on the guest's right shoulder and kisses him on both cheeks.
Iranians shake hands and then press their right hand to their heart.
In the Congo, as a sign of greeting, people who meet extend both hands towards each other and blow on them.
The African Maasai have a unique handshake: before offering their hand, they spit on it.
And the Kenyan Akamba do not bother extending their hands: they simply spit at each other as a sign of greeting.
There is an alternative to the widespread handshake, which initially demonstrated that those who met were not holding weapons, has an alternative in the traditions of different cultures.
For example, Hindus fold their hands into “anjali”: they press their palms together in a fingers-up position, so that their tips rise to the level of the eyebrows. Hugs when meeting are allowed after a long separation and look special for men and women. Representatives of the stronger sex hug each other tightly, patting each other on the back; representatives of beauty - holding each other by the forearms, touch each other with their cheeks - right and left.
The Japanese prefer bows to handshakes, which are lower and longer, the more important the person to whom they are addressed.
Saikeirei is the lowest, but there is also a medium one, when they are inclined at an angle of 30 degrees, and a light one - at only 15 degrees of inclination.
Since ancient times, Koreans have also bowed when meeting.
The Chinese, who are also traditionally more comfortable with bows, still quite easily move on to greetings through handshakes, and when a group of Chinese residents meet a new person, they can applaud - this is expected to be responded to in the same way. And the original tradition here was shaking hands... with yourself.
By the way, in Rus' it was also customary to bow, but during the construction of socialism this was recognized as a relic of the past.
In the Middle East, bowing with a bowed head with arms lowered and pressed to the body, when the right palm covers the left hand is a sign of respectful greeting.
And how beautiful the greeting ritual is in some North African countries! There they bring the right hand first to the forehead, then to the lips and after that to the chest. Translated from sign language, this means: I think about you, I talk about you, I respect you.
In the Zambezi they clap their hands while crouching.
In Thailand, joined palms are applied to the head or chest and the higher the status of the person being greeted, the higher the status. This gesture is accompanied by the exclamation “wai”.
Tibetans generally do incredible things: they take off their hat from their head with their right hand, and put their left hand behind their ear, while still sticking out their tongue. - This proves the absence of bad intentions on the part of the greeter.
The natives of New Zealand also stick out their tongues and also bulge their eyes, but before doing this they clap their hands on their thighs, stomp their feet and bend their knees. Only “one of our own” can understand this, so the ritual is designed, first of all, to recognize a stranger.
What the male Eskimos do is even more exotic (of course, only in our opinion): they hit each other on the head and back with their fists. Not much, of course, but it’s hard for the uninitiated to understand... However, they can also rub noses, just like the inhabitants of Lapland.
Polynesians also greet each other “more affectionately”: they sniff, rub their noses and stroke each other on the back.
In Caribbean Belize, the local population also maintains a unique greeting tradition: they are supposed to put clenched fists to their chest. Who would have thought that this was a gesture of peace? Fists are also used in greetings on Easter Island: they are extended in front of you at chest level, then raised above your head, unclenched and “thrown” your hands down.
The traditional greeting pose in a number of Indian tribes is to squat when seeing a stranger. It shows the peacefulness of the greeter, and the person he meets must pay attention to this, otherwise the Indian will be doomed to sit for a long time, because he needs to note to himself that he was understood. According to the laws of hospitality of the African Zulus, when entering a house, you must immediately sit down, without waiting for any invitation or greeting - the hosts will do this, but only after the person entering has taken a sitting position.
Interestingly, New Guinea also uses this facial movement, but to greet foreigners. However, not in all tribes.
Thus, it is customary for the Koiri to greet each other by tickling their chins.
The Tuaregs living in the Sahara say hello for at least half an hour, starting to jump, gallop, bow and sometimes take very strange poses at a distance of a hundred meters from the person they meet. It is believed that in the process of their body movements they recognize the intentions of this oncoming person.
In Egypt and Yemen, the greeting gesture resembles the salute in Russian army, only the Egyptians, putting their palm to their forehead, turn it towards the person they are greeting.
A Australian aborigines greet each other by dancing.
