Unique Traditional Greetings in the World
Do you know or do you have a unique/traditional form of greeting?
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
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.
For more articles in History see
Top Ten Most Famous and Historically Significant Tombs in the World
Modern-day Heroes
11 Historic Events That Created the World’s Largest and Most Spectacular Mushroom Clouds
15 Notable Crucifixions in History
Archeological Finds with Great Significance to Mankind
Historic Trees From Around the World
Unique Traditional Greetings in the World
The Suez and Panama Canals: Two Shipping Canals of Great Importance
10 Dynasties That Reigned the Longest in History
Liked it
User Comments
tracy sardelli
On April 20, 2008 at 9:33 am
very interesting Nobert, i never realised that there were so many different greeting styles. well done.
salvatore
On April 20, 2008 at 9:36 am
nice work Nobert, well done. It is truely amazing how many different ways of greetings.
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 20, 2008 at 9:41 am
thanks to both of you Tracy and salvatore,
actually there are a lot more but this are
the most unique i guess,
Francie
On April 20, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Nicely done, very interesting, especially the additional photos showing greetings actually performed. Thanks!
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 20, 2008 at 5:28 pm
thanks a lot to you Francie
Judy Sheldon
On April 20, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Very informative. Thank you. I love learning things about other cultures.
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 20, 2008 at 8:13 pm
thanks a lot to you Judy
Ruby Hawk
On April 20, 2008 at 9:22 pm
some of this I did not know.Thank you for bringing new interesting information. Take care,Ruby
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 20, 2008 at 9:32 pm
thank you very much Ruby
Anne Lyken-Garner
On April 21, 2008 at 6:26 am
The further south of France you go, the more the kisses increase. For example I kiss friends in Paris once on each cheek, but friends from the south twice on each cheek (I’ve seen people who are very familiar with each other do it even more times). Moral of the story is, make sure you’ve got loads of time for kissing when in Southern France.
Original article and nice pictures
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 21, 2008 at 7:10 am
ohh that’s interesting to know,thanks for sharing Anne
Rana Sinha
On April 22, 2008 at 2:22 am
Thanks Norbert. Good article, Keep up the good work.
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 22, 2008 at 2:38 am
thanks a lot for the visit and the comment Rana,
i really appreciate it.
valli
On April 22, 2008 at 4:36 am
Very informative!
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 22, 2008 at 4:48 am
thanks a lot to you valli,
Lucy Lockett
On April 22, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Learning about other cultures sure is interesting. The hongi is mainly used in formal situations these days, or special occasions on a marae.
Sher
On April 23, 2008 at 12:55 am
nice article you have here, nobert.
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 23, 2008 at 1:02 am
thanks Lucy and Sher
pushhyarag
On October 28, 2008 at 4:55 am
I was researching on the web for making references to an article I was preparing to post on my blog Evolve(((.)))ever, when I chanced on this piece here. Nice collection. I am completing my post & will add a link to this article. Hope, no copyright issues by pointing to a link.
But I’ll bookmark this place to revisit. Nice first encounter.
james
On February 18, 2009 at 11:56 pm
bravo!
Margaret
On March 5, 2009 at 5:31 pm
That was some good information there Nobert!
A lot of people can learn from all of this…
Post Comment