Top 14 Most Fascinating Greetings Around the World

This unique greeting originates from a cruel king named Lang Darma, who was said to have a black tongue. As a result, Tibetans began to stick out their tongues when meeting others as a sign that they were not the incarnation of the evil king. Over time, this gesture became a common and interesting custom in the Buddhist culture of Tibet. When Tibetans meet, they greet each other by sticking out their tongues. This action symbolizes respect and a warm welcome. If anyone possesses a black tongue, they would be considered to be the reincarnation of the tyrannical king. Another legend suggests that sticking out the tongue was a way for Tibetans to prove they were not using any dark magic or casting spells on others. Today, this greeting has become an iconic part of the local tradition, though with the rise of tourism in Tibet, the practice has somewhat diminished. Visitors from around the world have influenced how locals view this tradition, with some finding it impolite or unsanitary, even resembling a threat. However, travelers may still encounter this greeting, and a simple smile is usually enough to acknowledge it.

The people of New Zealand are not only known for their lifestyle but also their strong and principled character, which is admired worldwide. Anyone visiting New Zealand will be missing out if they don't explore the culture of the indigenous Maori people. Understanding the Maori way of life can help visitors integrate more easily into New Zealand's community. Traditionally, the Maori greet one another by gently pressing their noses together, followed by a handshake. This greeting remains widespread, especially during ceremonies. Another unique greeting of the Maori people is the traditional ‘Hongi’ gesture.

The nose-touching greeting symbolizes the sharing of the 'breath of life.' When the Maori greet a foreigner in this way, they are welcoming them as one of their own, making them feel like a member of the land. This greeting is commonly used among the Maori people, especially in rituals. If a Maori person greets you in this way, they no longer see you as a visitor but as a true local. When the Maori greet close friends or family members with this gesture, it signifies their deep connection. If a stranger is greeted in this way, it means they are being welcomed as part of the family.

Malaysia, a country known for its vibrant and unique culture, is a beautiful blend of Eastern traditions and Western influences, particularly post-World War II. The cultural mix of the East and West, combined with local indigenous traditions, creates a truly diverse cultural symphony. In Malaysia, the traditional morning greeting is 'Salamat pagi,' while in the afternoon, people greet with 'saolamat petang.' You can respond by placing your right hand over your chest after shaking hands. However, when being introduced to a Malaysian woman, it is best to wait for her to extend her hand first. If she does not offer her hand, simply smile and bow in greeting.

It's important to note that outside of handshakes, public physical contact between opposite genders is discouraged. Such gestures are only acceptable among those of the same gender. It is not uncommon to see two men holding hands or even strolling hand in hand in public. When meeting a Malaysian, it’s polite to initiate the handshake. Occasionally, they might greet you with a 'Namaste'—pressing both palms together in front of the chest, accompanied by a slight nod. This greeting may follow a handshake. This traditional gesture, also commonly seen at the start of a sports event, conveys the message: 'I greet and welcome you with my whole heart.' It is a respectful gesture that is also very practical in a society where traditional gender norms are strong. In Malaysia, men and women never shake hands in public, as this gesture is seen as an intimate act reserved for married couples.

The Federated States of Micronesia is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Papua New Guinea. This country has a unique political status as a sovereign state freely associated with the United States. Once a part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administered by the U.S., Micronesia gained independence in 1986 through a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. The nation is rich in distinct cultural practices, one of which is its unique form of greeting.

In Vietnam, raising one’s eyebrows might signify confusion or fatigue, but in Micronesia, it is a friendly and welcoming gesture. Typically, when meeting a stranger, a person from Micronesia will raise their eyebrows slightly while offering a gentle smile. This action serves as a subtle yet warm sign of acknowledgment and shows that they are happy to welcome you. If you ever visit this beautiful island nation, feel free to reciprocate this gesture as part of your cultural exchange.

The gesture of bowing may not be unfamiliar to Vietnamese people, as it’s sometimes used as a greeting here as well. In Japan, bowing is a traditional sign of respect and appreciation. When someone bows, they lean forward from the waist, signaling gratitude or respect towards the person they are greeting. This custom is extremely common, and is often accompanied by phrases like 'Ohayo gozaimasu' (Good morning), 'Konnichi wa' (Good afternoon), or other expressions of thanks or apologies. Depending on how deep the bow is, there are three main types. The most common type is the 'Eshaku' bow, where the person slightly bends their head and upper body at a 15-degree angle. This bow is typically used when meeting someone casually or addressing a superior. In certain situations, a verbal greeting is enough, but combining a bow with a 'thank you' (such as 'Arigatou') makes the expression of gratitude much more sincere.

In business or formal settings, a deeper bow is often used, known as the 'Keirei' bow, where the body bends at a 30-degree angle. This bow is usually performed when entering or leaving a meeting room, or when meeting clients. The most formal bow, 'Saikeirei,' is performed at a 45-degree angle and is often used to show deep appreciation or to express a sincere apology. In Japanese culture, bowing is not just a greeting but a significant display of respect, humility, and gratitude.

When living and studying in the Philippines, international students should make sure to present themselves as polite individuals, leaving a positive impression of the Vietnamese people as cultured and refined. In daily activities such as withdrawing money from an ATM, shopping in supermarkets, or riding a Jeepney, it is important to queue neatly and show respect by offering seats to the elderly and children. Greetings in the Philippines are quite unique and deeply rooted in Eastern culture. Here, younger people place the hands of older individuals on their foreheads as a sign of respect. Even a simple raising of the eyebrows can be considered a greeting in the Philippines.

For students, it is important to be mindful of this custom when meeting teachers, school staff, or interacting with locals. In the Philippines, children greet elders by bowing their heads slightly and then placing the hand of the elder on their forehead. This gesture, called 'mano,' symbolizes respect and receiving blessings from those older. You may notice this familiar greeting in many Filipino TV shows as well.

Throughout history, bread and salt have been powerful symbols of prosperity and health in many ancient cultures. In Russia, the act of offering bread and salt to guests is a deep-rooted tradition. When a guest arrives at a home, the host not only wears their finest clothes and prepares a feast but also presents a slice of bread with salt, a seasoning deeply connected to the sea. Though modern Russians commonly greet guests with a handshake, in some rural areas, bread and salt are still essential parts of the welcome ritual. The combination of bread and salt holds significant symbolic meaning: bread represents wishes for wealth and abundance, while salt protects from harm and represents strength against adversaries. The guest takes a piece of bread, dips it in the salt, and eats it. This act symbolizes the beginning of a new friendship and an acknowledgment of the basic values of life. It also signifies that the guest is ready to share the burdens and hardships of life with the host, as the phrase 'to share a pinch of salt' implies.

Welcoming a guest with bread and salt symbolizes a close and trustworthy relationship between the host and guest. Refusing this gesture would be seen as an insult. There is a Russian saying, 'Not even a king would refuse bread and salt.' The host typically places the bread and salt on a square cloth, and instead of bowing or shaking hands, they hand the offering directly to the guest. In Russian culture, bread symbolizes hospitality, while salt signifies a desire for a lasting and strong bond. Offering this greeting indicates that the guest is considered like family.

In Kenya, greetings are not just simple gestures but an integral part of a vibrant and lively culture. Dance plays a crucial role in communication, and it is often used as a special form of greeting. When people meet, Kenyans often greet each other with fluid and rhythmic dance movements. The dances are usually delicate, incorporating graceful arm movements, with the body swaying gently in time with the rhythm. This is not just a greeting, but a warm invitation, reflecting an open heart and a welcoming spirit.

Additionally, music plays an essential role in greeting through dance in Kenya. The lively melodies and strong rhythms that accompany the dance steps create an energetic and joyful atmosphere during encounters. Greeting with dance is not reserved for special occasions; it is a part of everyday life. This reflects a deep respect for culture, sincere communication, and fosters a joyful, intimate environment among people.

Greeting with the ritual scarf, or hada, is a beautiful tradition in Mongolian culture that signifies respect and consideration for others. Hada, a silk strip often crafted from high-quality materials, is much more than a simple cloth—it's a symbol of reverence and sincerity. When a Mongolian welcomes someone with a hada, they do so with grace and formality, lifting the scarf with both hands and gently bowing. This act is not merely a greeting; it conveys a deep respect for the recipient.

For Mongolians, the use of hada in greetings is not only a common practice but also an essential part of their cultural and social life. It demonstrates respect for tradition and fosters harmony within the community. Through the act of holding the hada and bowing, Mongolians communicate their sincere admiration and goodwill. This ritual goes beyond being a simple greeting—it is a profound way to show honor and warmth towards others.

In Saudi Arabia, greetings are often exchanged with a handshake followed by the phrase "As-salamu alaykum", which conveys a deep wish for peace and harmony. After this greeting, it is common for the individuals involved to engage in a nose kiss and place a hand on the other's shoulder. However, this gesture is typically reserved for close friends or family members who have an established relationship.

Saudi Arabian greeting culture places a high value on ritual and respect. Foreigners interacting with Saudis should be especially mindful of their behavior, particularly in terms of politeness and demeanor. Understanding and respecting local customs is crucial. If you're uncertain, it’s often best to remain reserved and avoid any overt expressions. To Saudis, modesty and humility can be seen as a sign of maturity and respect for the host and their culture.

In Botswana, the handshake is a key part of daily communication. The greeting involves a specific set of actions: first, extend your right hand while placing your left hand on your right elbow. Then, perform the typical handshake, return to the starting position, and ask, "Lae kae?" This phrase in the local language roughly translates to "How are you?" or "How do you feel?"

For the people of Botswana, the handshake is more than just a greeting—it’s a way to show care for the other person. By following these steps and inquiring about someone's well-being, the Botswanans demonstrate respect for their relationships and sincerity in their everyday interactions.

Visitors often see people in India and Thailand join their hands in a prayer-like gesture and say 'namaste' (hello). Divya L. Selvakumar, an Indian-American, explains the historical significance of this gesture: 'This greeting dates back thousands of years. A slight bow with hands pressed together expresses the message: The divine in me bows to the divine in you. It is a sign of humility and respect, and it is believed that this gesture offers protection to the person performing it.' The traditional greeting includes a gentle bow, with both hands pressed together at the chest. This gesture reflects the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism in both Indian and Thai culture. 'Wai signifies openness, the absence of weapons, and a peaceful intent.'

In addition to being used as a greeting, the 'wai' gesture is also part of various spiritual rituals, such as dance performances, apologies, and even as a way to avoid conflict. Its meaning changes depending on the context. In some cases, people may also say 'Sawatdee kha' or 'Sawatdee krab' (depending on gender) while performing the wai, making it a very polite way to greet someone. In both India and Thailand, the gesture of joining hands is considered a respectful and friendly way to greet others. In India, this greeting is called Namaste, used for saying hello, thank you, and goodbye. When performing Namaste, one slightly bows their head, presses their palms together as if in prayer, and offers a subtle smile. For Thais, this gesture symbolizes deep respect. They view the hands joined in front of the chest as a lotus blossom offered to the person in front, with a sincere and joyful heart.

In Europe, due to their cultural openness, people consider kissing on the cheek to be one of the most friendly and respectful ways to greet one another. Don’t be surprised if someone greets you with a gentle kiss on the cheek, even if it’s your first time meeting. This is simply a warm, welcoming social gesture common in many European countries. Typically, greetings include two quick kisses on the cheek: first on the right cheek, followed by the left. For acquaintances or less familiar people, a handshake is preferred. In France, it's customary to greet with a light kiss on the right cheek, although the number of kisses may vary depending on the region. In Germany, while cheek kissing is still widespread, it is typically reserved for close friends and family. The UK also embraces the cheek kiss, but generally, a handshake will suffice when meeting friends. In the Netherlands, the 'correct' version of the kiss involves three kisses: right cheek, left cheek, then right cheek again. If you're meeting someone less familiar, a handshake is the default. In Greece, the usual greeting is a handshake, but close friends may hug and kiss, often on both cheeks, followed by a light pat on the face. In Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro, women often greet with kisses, sometimes as many as two kisses on the cheeks. In other regions, the number can range from one to three kisses, depending on local customs. Married women typically greet with two kisses, while unmarried women may greet with three, though in some places, two kisses are enough.

Spitting is generally considered impolite in many cultures, but in the Maasai tribe of Kenya, it's a common and respected tradition. The Maasai people often spit as a way to greet others and show respect. When they meet someone, they may spit in their hand before shaking hands. The same gesture is made when welcoming a newborn, as they believe it brings good luck to the child. This might seem uncomfortable to visitors, but for the Maasai, it’s the friendliest and most respectful way to greet a new acquaintance. Interestingly, the more spit lands on the other person, the warmer the greeting is considered.

Moreover, according to Maasai custom, the father of the bride will spit on her head and chest as a blessing. This unique and sacred ritual is performed for every Maasai bride before she marries. The father's spit symbolizes all the good wishes and blessings he wishes to pass on to his daughter. The bride feels honored and blessed by this gesture. After this special blessing, she is allowed to leave for her new home. The bride's procession is usually slow, making the journey from her father's home to her husband's house take several hours.