By: Monica Aviles
Specific greetings and culture beliefs are very important to many cultures and/or countries around the world. When meeting someone new or greeting relatives in the U.S, most people give a firm handshake or maybe a hug to those who they are close to. These greetings are very different compared to other places around the world.
Tibet is on the northern side of the Himalayas, it is an autonomous region of China. They greet one another by sticking out their tongue. This started with monks. They would stick out their tongue to show others that they came in peace, and did not have a black tongue like the evil king from the 9th century.
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies off the Eastern Coast of the Asian continent. Most men and women bow when greeting one another. Although, the deeper the bow means the more respect that is shown.
Similarly, in India, Cambodia, and Thailand, they put their palms together in the prayer position at heart level before bowing. Although, in Thailand, the higher you place your hands, the more respect that is shown.
Malaysia is a country of Southeast Asia, lying just north of the Equator. In Malaysia, you take the other person’s hand into yours. Then let go of the other person’s hands, and bring your own hands to your chest and slightly nod. However, men are to wait for the women to extend a hand first. If they don’t, the man is obligated to put his hand on his chest and give a slight nod.
In France and Italy, an air kiss is quite common among the people. They give two air kisses up to four. Once again, there is gender based rules when it comes to this greeting. Only women can air kiss other women, and men can air kiss women.
The Philippines is located in the Western Pacific Ocean. It is apart of Southeast Asia, and consists of more than 5,000 islands. In the Philippines, most people greet each other by taking one of the other person’s hand, and gently pressing it against their own forehead. This greeting is known as “Mano” which also symbolizes respect like many other greetings in different countries.
Greenland is located in the continent of North America. Most people will press their noses against the other person’s cheek or forehead and sniff. Although, this is limited to close relationships.
Georgia is at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Most men and women will greet each other with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. This greeting has been a tradition for centuries, and they do this greeting for strangers as well.
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