It’s always fascinating to learn something new and unusual. And sometimes it is also beneficial: for example, when it is necessary to travel to a foreign country and not incur trouble by ignorance of local customs.
Cheers, it would seem, what could be easier? But in this matter, different peoples have cardinal differences. Sometimes a friendly handshake or a hearty kiss on the cheek can cause a quarrel, and in some countries, it can show your affection in entirely unexpected ways.
1. Tibet: Sticking out tongue
The people of Tibet still greet us with their tongues. To do this, people stick out their tongue. The tradition goes back to King Lang Darma, who was known for his black tongue. After his death, the people were afraid that the king’s spirit would move to another person. To show each other that they are not evil, the inhabitants began to demonstrate their tongues.
2. Thailand: bow and folded palms
In this country, to say hello, put your palms together, as during prayer. They apply to the head or chest. Next, you need to make a slight bow.
3. Kenya, Maasai: respectful spitting
In the Maasai tribe, shaking hands is accompanied by wetting the palms of saliva. Often the greeting is accompanied by high jumps.
4. Greenland: press the nose
Loved ones greet with the nose. This greeting is called “Kunik”. To do this, a person presses his nose and upper lip against another person and begins to breathe.
5. India: Greeting with the palms of the hands
Many Indians press their palms together in a position with their fingers up. Their tips should be at the level of the eyebrows. Hugs are allowed only after a long separation. The men hug and pat each other on the back. Women hold each other by the forearms, apply with the left and right cheeks.
6. Japan: Bowing Greetings
In Japan, it is customary to greet each other with a nod or bow. The latter option is suitable if you want to express deep respect to a person.
7. Polynesia, Tuvalu: touch cheek
On one of the Polynesian islands, locals greet each other by touching cheek to cheek, taking a deep breath.
8. New Zealand, Maori: rub the nose
The inhabitants of the most ancient tribes of New Zealand greet and touch their noses to each other.
9. Nigerian: snapping fingers handshake
Young people often greet each other in a unique way, where they snap their fingers in a handshake process.
10. Philippines: Show Respect
One of the traditions of greeting is showing respect for an older person. The younger one should bend a little, take the elder’s right hand with his right hand and put it to the forehead. Thus it is necessary to say “Mano Po” – “I respect your hand.”
