It’s heading to that time of year when South Africans go into vacation mode and why not learn the greeting etiquette of countries around the world to avoid outsider awkwardness?
France: A kiss on the cheek
It’s etiquette in France to kiss someone on the cheek when greeting them. The amount of kisses can vary from region to region.
Russia: A firm handshake:
The standard way to greet anyone in Russia is a firm handshake.
Japan: A bow
It is customary in Japan to bow when greeting someone. The angle at which you bow also depends on who you are greeting. The lower the bow, the more respect shown.
Argentina: A kiss on the right cheek
As in the French culture, in Argentina the correct way to greet someone is to lightly press your lips against their right cheek.
The Philippines: Mano
In the Philippine culture, when encountering elders you greet them by taking their hand and pressing their knuckles against your forehead as a sign of respect.
Tibet: Sticking your toungue out
This unusual tradition dates back to the Tibetan king, Lang Darma of the 9th century who was known for his evil ways and black tongue.
India: Namaste
Place your hands together in a praying position, bow your head slightly and say Namaste.
Ukraine: Triple kiss
More kisses from Europe. In the Ukraine it is customary to kiss someone three times when greeting them – left, right, and left for good measure.
Thailand: Wai
The Wai is similar to the greeting in India except you put your hands in a praying position and lift them so that your fingers touch your forehead.
Greenland: Kunik
This greeting is mostly for those you are very close with. To perform it place your nose and upper lip against the cheek or forehead of the other person and take a breath.
Greenland: Kunik
This is known as the hongy, a tradition Māori greeting in New Zealand. You press your nose and forehead to the person you are greeting.
