On World Hello Day, which is celebrated today, we decided to compile a selection of different countries peace unusual ways say hello, which tourists should know about when traveling.

Tibet

At the mysterious Eastern people there is a curious custom, noted by the well-known naturalist Przhevalsky: meeting and saying goodbye, the younger Tibetan takes off his hat in front of the older one and, slightly tilting his head, sticks out his tongue. According to one version, in this way he assures the interlocutor that he is not possessed by demons, because it is they who have a green language. According to another, the tradition appeared during the reign of Landarma, the owner of the black language. After his death, local residents, fearing the return of the villain from world of the dead, checked whether any of the fellow citizens had the same black organ. Today, the tradition lives only among the elders of the people and Tibetan lamas - 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 retained its way of life and traditional way of life from ancient times, not being tempted by the benefits of civilization. The Maasai, whose exact number is unknown, consider themselves an elite among African peoples and were once one of the most formidable and militant tribes. To show their military power and agility, the most strong men tribes perform greetings traditional dance adamu: sitting in a circle, they compete in a dance to see who can jump higher. Before shaking hands, Masai men always spit on their hands, and women greet by touching the palm of the interlocutor's palm and performing a traditional song.

China

Instead of a greeting, the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire usually exchange phrases that are strange for any European: “Have you already eaten rice?”, “Yes, thank you, and you?”. And it does not matter at all whether you have already eaten or not - this greeting simply serves as a courtesy tribute, because daily bread is a very important part of Chinese culture. The famous koutou bows and the female 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 keep sacred traditions. Young people in China, like their European peers, tend to shake hands or even hug, although kissing at a meeting is not at all accepted in China. Another unusual feature for us is that if the right hand of a Chinese is not free, he will easily shake your left hand.

Thailand

Like almost any country that professes Buddhism, Thailand from time immemorial shows the level of respect for the interlocutor by touching the center of spiritual forces - the head, forming a special system of greetings called "wai". Thais greet the interlocutor from a distance, putting joined palms to the head or chest: the closer the palms are brought to the head, the more respectful the resident of Thailand treats the person he greets. 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. The greeting of peers is intended to symbolize their equality: both interlocutors bow slightly, folding their hands near their chests, or shake hands in a European way. When addressing any monk, one should bow deeply with a salutatory wai at the level of the forehead, while not 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 to the floor three times while sitting.

India

In order to greet someone, a resident of India will stop and, folding his hands near his chest and joining his palms, bow slightly - this is how the famous Indian Namaste looks like. The word, which came from ancient Sanskrit, in translation means: "I bow to you." With this gesture, the Indians turn to divine principle hidden in every person, so the greeting applies to everyone, regardless of income level, age and gender. In India, no one will turn to a woman by shaking her hand or putting his hand on her shoulder, you won’t see hugs or kisses at a meeting - it’s customary to show respect here. Spiritual guides or parents should be approached with a low bow at the feet. Every year, Western methods of greeting are spreading more and more in the country - a casual "Hello" or a simple handshake, and Namaste is practiced only among those who honor the old traditions.

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Travel notes

When preparing for a trip to a new country, we try to learn a few phrases in the language of the country we are going to. And we are interested, and people are pleased when they say "thank you" or "please" on their mother tongue. We have collected for you unusual greetings from the peoples of the world, which will surely remain in your memory, and if fate suddenly throws you to Samoa or Kenya, you will remember our article and greet local residents according to all customs and canons.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the indigenous people, the Maori, touch each other with their noses when they meet. This tradition goes back centuries. It is called "hongi" and symbolizes the breath of life - "ha", ascending to the gods themselves. After that, the Maori perceive the person as their friend, and not just as a visitor. This tradition is observed even at meetings at the "highest level", so do not be surprised if you see on TV how the president of a country rubs his nose with the representative of New Zealand. This is etiquette and should not be broken.

Iran

Iranians shake hands at a meeting, then put their right hand to their hearts (moreover, the youngest or lower standing on the social ladder, if he was not greeted with a handshake, only puts his hand to his heart) - a sign of greeting and deep respect; in the Middle East, respect and deep respect for a high-ranking person is expressed as follows: the palm of the right hand covers the left hand, both hands are lowered down and pressed to the body, which is slightly tilted forward, the head is lowered.

Andaman Islands

A native of the Andaman Islands sits on the knees of another, hugs his neck and cries. And do not think that he is complaining about his fate or wants to tell some tragic episode from his life. Thus, he rejoices in meeting his friend, and tears are the sincerity with which he meets his fellow tribesman.

Samoa

Samoans sniff each other when they meet. For them, it is rather a tribute to their ancestors than a serious ritual. Once upon a time, in this way, the Samoans tried to find out where the person they greeted was from. The smell could tell how many people walked through the jungle or when last time ate But more often than not, a stranger was identified by smell.

Saudi Arabia

AT Saudi Arabia after shaking hands, the host puts the guest left hand on the right shoulder and kisses on both cheeks. If the owner’s wife is at home at this moment, then you will be introduced to her, you must be friendly, but restrained, it is not customary to shake hands with a woman.

Kenya

The Maasai tribe is the most ancient in Kenya, it is famous for its ancient and unusual rites. One of these rituals is the welcome dance to Adam. It is performed only by the men of the tribe, as a rule, these are wars. The dancers stand in a circle and begin to jump high. The higher he jumps, the brighter he will show his courage and courage. Since the Maasai are subsistence farmers, they often have to jump like this when hunting lions and other animals.

Tibet

In Tibet, when they meet, they show each other their tongue. This custom has been going on since the IX, when Tibet was ruled by the tyrant-king Landarma. He had a black tongue. So the Tibetans were afraid that the king, after his death, might settle in someone else, and therefore they decided to show their tongue in order to protect themselves from evil. If you want to follow this custom as well - make sure you don't eat anything that stains your tongue in dark color otherwise misunderstanding may occur. The arms are usually held crossed over the chest.

Mongolia

During the meeting of the guest, the owner of the house gives the visitor a silk or chintz ribbon - khad. Its color is white, pale blue or light yellow. Taking the hada with both hands, the guest should bow slightly to the host.

Baffin Island, Canadian Arctic

The main population here is the Eskimos, and so they strike a friend with a fist on the head and shoulders as a sign of greeting. They hit hard and hard - this is how the residents check how ready a person is for adversity and frost, which literally “hit” the inhabitants of this region. The tradition is centuries old and is popular with this nation in many places of residence.

Greenland

At northern peoples inhabiting Greenland, there is a tradition: when meeting close people, one of them presses his upper lip and nose to the face of the other and breathes. This ritual is called "kunik". There is a misconception that this tradition arose among the Eskimos due to the fact that their lips freeze to each other on severe frost with regular kisses. In fact, this action does not have an erotic meaning, but is a form of friendly greeting between close people who, when meeting, often have only their nose and eyes bare with clothes.

Philippines

When you visit the Philippines, you will see a very unusual greeting. At a meeting, the one who is younger bows to his right hand takes the right hand of an older person, and then with the knuckles of his fingers touches his forehead, saying: "Mano po." These words mean hand ("mano") and respect ("po"). In general, the age cult in the Philippines is very important. You will never see an old man standing and a young one sitting. Also, you will not see that one hundred of the elders carry a heavy bag, there will always be someone younger who will help carry the burden home.

Before leaving for an unfamiliar country, it would be nice to find out something about its customs and norms of everyday etiquette. How not to screw up, folding decent and not so gestures from fingers. Now let's deal with greetings in order to reach out in time and not grab for an inappropriate kiss.

Handshake

Where?
Europe, USA, Australia, some countries in Africa, Asia, Arab countries

Habitual for us, shaking a familiar person by the hand at a meeting is one of the most common forms of greeting in the world. Even medieval knights stretched out their hands to each other, as if saying: “my friend, look, there is neither a sword nor an ax in my hand.” And it was the most real sign trust. Among the ancient Greeks, the handshake was an expression of friendliness and hospitality. With such a pleasant meaning, it has survived to this day. But do not rush to pull your hand forward to everyone and everywhere - there are still nuances.

Today, almost all Western Europeans shake hands. The British have distinguished themselves a little in this matter: they prefer to slightly nod their heads, and they allow only good friends to touch their precious hand. In the UK, it is generally accepted to touch the interlocutor as little as possible.

In the United States, most often they shake hands in a formal setting or when they first meet. Making a round of the office to shake hands with everyone on a normal working day is not accepted here. Just like constantly shaking the hands of all the other people you often see.

And, if you still think that a handshake is an exclusively masculine gesture, then you are deeply mistaken. in the USA and Western Europe women often shake hands with each other and with men (in favorable situations). So here it is important not to get fooled and not be considered a person who is unenlightened in the topic of gender equality. But Eastern Europe a little behind in this regard: here the woman herself can extend her hand for a greeting if she wants. Men, on the other hand, most often do not reach out to women first.

As for Asia, handshakes here cannot be called a traditional form of greeting. But, seeing a European, a friendly Japanese is likely to shake his hand in a Western manner.

In Arab countries, after shaking hands, men usually press their right hand to their hearts, which expresses respect and friendliness. Well, if very close people met, it’s not out of place to hug and even kiss twice. Arab women do not shake hands, and forget about kisses and hugs right away.

kisses

Where?
France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, Latin America, Arab countries

Greeting kisses are also completely different: from hot with passionate hugs to continuous imitation with minimal cheek kissing. Most often, well-known people kiss when they meet, so don’t hope (or, conversely, don’t worry) - no one is going to kiss you right off the bat.

If you still have kisses, it is important not to overdo it with their number. So, in Belgium and Italy they exchange two kisses, in Spain - three. In the Netherlands and Sweden they kiss three times, but in Germany social kissing is not accepted. In France, acquaintances (and even unfamiliar ones) release from two to five alleged kisses into the air, touching each other alternately with their cheeks. In general, in France, the number of kisses varies so much depending on the region that there is even a special interactive mapso as not to kiss indefinitely.

In Turkey, when meeting, men who are related to each other or friends usually kiss. In Arab countries, greeting kisses of men are also quite a common thing. But kissing with the opposite sex here, as we have already noted above, is an absolute taboo.

Embrace

Where?
Latin America, possible in Spain, Italy

Inhabitants Latin America usually violently express their emotions. This also applies to everyday greetings. So, if you are happy to see you here, in addition to standard handshakes and kisses, expect hot and sincere hugs. Most likely, only those who are seen for the first time will not get hugs (and even that is not a fact).

And yet remember that hugs are a rather intimate thing, it’s better not to be the first to hug in foreign countries. Well, you never know.

Bow

Where?
Japan, China, Korea and other Asian countries, India

In Asian countries, all these ceremonial things are loved, and bowing is still an integral part here. everyday culture. You can bow in different ways, depending on who exactly you are going to bow to.

So, the Japanese, seeing a friend or acquaintance, lean forward quite a bit, by 15 degrees. Deeper bows are usually intended for very respected people. Europeans in Japan usually shake hands, but it's best not to rush into physical contact with the first person. Personal space is a very important thing for the Japanese, and violating it own initiative- not the best idea.

In China, it is not very customary to bow to everyone - this is considered an exceptionally respectful gesture not for every mere mortal. The Chinese bow for everyday greeting is something like a normal nod of the head. Well, the handshake is becoming more and more common here, especially if you need to say hello to a person of European appearance.

You can also be greeted with a slight bow in Korea and Singapore. In India, women usually bow with their closed palms pressed to their chest, but men have already mostly switched to handshakes.

If you get lost and forget everything

We understand that it is difficult to remember the traditions of greeting all countries in the world. Therefore, if you suddenly get confused - just act according to the situation and do not make sudden movements. You don't have to be the first one to hug and kiss another person unless you're sure it's appropriate. But a friendly smile and a willingness to lend a hand to a new acquaintance will help you get out of most awkward situations.

Every culture has certain rules greetings. In some countries, the greeting is so unusual that it causes surprise and a smile from representatives of other cultures.

10 types of greetings different peoples 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 goes back to the 9th century, to the reign of the Tibetan persecutor 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, a protruding tongue signals that the person is not possessed by demons.

2. Indigenous people of New Zealand (Maori) when meeting, they touch each other with their noses, thereby symbolizing the breath of life.

3. In Japanese culture it is customary to bow at a 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 a few seconds and small tilt of the head and torso.

4. Greeting in India "Namaste" (literally “Bow to you”) is accompanied by a slight tilt of the head and palms folded up at chest level.

The higher the level of the person you are greeting, the higher your palms should be. Most high level- at the level of the forehead.

5. Traveling in Kenya, you can become an eyewitness to an unusual Maasai tribe greetings.


The warriors form a circle and begin to compete among themselves in the height of their jumps, thereby showing the guests their strength and courage.

6. Greeting "WAI" in Thailand - applying joined palms to the chest or head: the closer the palms are brought to the head, the more respectful the resident of Thailand treats the one he greets.

7. By ancient custom people of Mongolia as a greeting, they may give a strip of silk or cotton - hadu - 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 depict a symbolic kiss upon meeting, alternately touching each other with their cheeks. The French greeting sounds: “How is it going?”.

9. In the Philippines, when they greet the elder, they gently take his hand and press it to the 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.

In all countries of the world, when people meet, they wish each other well. But outwardly it looks different.

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Let's compare the greeting traditions of different countries so as not to make a mistake when traveling abroad

In Tunisia, greeting people on the street, it is customary to first bow, bring the right hand to the forehead, then to the lips, then to the heart. “I think about you, I talk about you, I respect you” - this is the meaning of this greeting.

Inhabitants of Tongalocated on the islands Pacific Ocean, when meeting with acquaintances, they stop at a distance, shake their heads, stamp their feet and snap their fingers.

Inhabitants of New Guinea from the koi-ri tribe, greeting, tickle each other under the chin.

Residents of the Republic of Zambia in Central Africa, greet, clap their hands and make a curtsy.

Greenlanders there is no formal greeting, but when they meet, they always say: "Good weather."

In Botswana a small country in southern Africa most the territory of which is occupied by the Kalahari Desert, the traditional national "Pula" is translated as a wish: "Let it rain!"

Tajik, receiving a guest in his house, will shake the hand extended to him with two of his own as a sign of respect. Stretching one in response is a sign of disrespect.

AT Saudi Arabia the owner of the house, after shaking hands, puts his left hand on the shoulder of the guest and kisses him on both cheeks.

Iranians, shaking hands, press their right palm to the heart.

AT Congo they greet each other like this: they stretch both hands towards each other and at the same time blow on them.

Hindus when greeting, they fold their palms with their fingers up so that their tips rise to the level of the eyebrows. If close people have not seen each other for a long time, hugs are possible. Men hug each other tightly, patting each other on the back, and women hold each other by the forearms and touch their cheeks once on the right and left. In words, Hindus greet God in the face of the one they meet - “Namaste!”

Japanese when meeting, they bow: the lower and slower, the more important the person. The lowest and most respectful is sakeirei, the middle one is at an angle of 30 degrees, the lightest one is only 15 degrees. At the same time they say "The day has come."

Koreans and Chinese They also traditionally bow, but more and more Chinese prefer to greet in a modern way: raising their clasped hands above their heads. But if a few Chinese meet a new person, they can applaud him - you need to respond in kind. The traditional greeting phrase in China translates to "Have you eaten today?"

On the Middle East they bow with their heads bowed, hands lowered and pressed to the body. At the same time, the right palm covers the left hand - this is a sign of respect.

In some North African countries they bring their right hand to their forehead, then to their lips, and then to their chest. It means: "I think about you, I talk about you, I respect you." African Maasai, before giving a hand to an oncoming acquaintance, spit on it.

BUT Kenyan Akamba they simply spit at each other without bothering to extend their hands - nevertheless, this is a sign of deep respect. In Zambezi, they clap their hands while crouching.

AT Thailand connect the palms are applied to the chest or to the head - the higher, the more respectful the greeting. The gesture is accompanied by the exclamation of "wai" - its duration also depends on the status of the oncoming one. Greeting respected persons, the man makes a low bow, and the woman crouches in a kind of curtsy. If peers met, the bow will be small, symbolic.

Tibetans with the right hand they take off the hat from the head, and with the left they put it in the ear and stick out the tongue. In such a bizarre way, the absence of bad intentions is demonstrated.

aborigines New Zealand at a meeting, they generally do the unimaginable: shout out words ferociously, slap their palms on their hips, stomp their feet with all their might, bend their knees, stick out their chests, stick out their tongues, bulge their eyes. This complex ritual can only be understood by "one's own", thus the natives recognize strangers.

Eskimos lightly hit each other with a fist on the head and on the back. Only men do it.

PolynesiansOn the contrary, they stroke each other on the back when they meet, sniff and rub their noses. The "nasal" greeting is also in use among the inhabitants of Lapland - they seem to warm their frozen noses.

Inhabitants easter islands they stretch their fists in front of them at chest level, then raise them above their heads and, opening them, “throw” their hands down.

In some Indian tribes it is customary to squat down when meeting a stranger and sit like that until he notices - this demonstrates peacefulness. Sometimes they took off their shoes.

Entering the house African Zulus they immediately sit down, without waiting for an invitation to it or a greeting. The owners of the dwelling will greet the guest only after he takes a sitting position. Their traditional verbal greeting reads: “I saw you!”

living in Sahara Tuaregs begin to greet at a distance of one hundred meters from each other, and this drags on for long time: they jump, bow, take strange poses - all in order to recognize the intentions of the oncoming one.

AT Egypt and Yemen put a palm to the forehead, turning it towards the one with whom they greet.

Arabs cross their arms over their chest.

Australian Aborigines greet each other with a dance.

AT New GuineaForeigners are greeted with a lift of eyebrows. In Europe, close friends or relatives are also welcomed. Where a handshake is accepted, the words of greetings still differ.

Handshakes are believed to have been around since primitive times. Then, stretching out their hands to each other, people showed that they had no weapons, that they had come in peace.

According to another version, the handshake originated in the days of knightly tournaments. When the duel of two knights dragged on and it was clear that they were equal in strength, the opponents drove up to each other in order to discuss the peaceful outcome of the duel.

Having gathered, the knights held out their hands for a handshake and held them like that until the end of the negotiations, thereby protecting themselves from possible deceit and deceit on the part of the enemy. That is why the handshake is now common mainly among men.

English greet each other with a question, which literally means “How are you doing?”. But in general, if an Englishman asks you “How are you?”, you need to answer “How are you?” - and the ritual will be considered completed. If you start to tell in detail how you are really doing, this will cause hostility in the Englishman - in England it is not customary to share problems at a meeting. Their handshakes are short and energetic - they don't like tactile contact.

AT America handshakes are also accepted, but a young American can greet his friend by patting him on the back.

AT Latin AmericaIt is customary to hug when meeting. At the same time, the men knock three times with their hands on the back of a friend, holding their heads above his right shoulder, and then three more times, holding their heads above his left.

In France in an informal setting, even unfamiliar people portray a symbolic kiss when they meet: they alternately touch their cheeks. The French greeting sounds: “How is it going?”.

German at a meeting, he will ask a little differently: “How is it going?”, But Italian- "How are you standing?"

Other nations do not ask anything when meeting: Greenlanders say "Good weather!", Navajo Indians exclaim "All is well!" At the meeting, the Persians wish: "Be cheerful", the Arabs - "Peace be with you!", the Jews - "Peace be with you!", and the Georgians - "Be right!" or "Win!". True, when entering a church or coming to visit, Georgians also wish for peace.