GREET THE LOCALS GREET THE LOCALS
New Zealand – the traditional Maori welcome is the hongi – the rubbing of noses when meeting someone. Often referred to as the ‘ha’, or ‘breath of life’.
Tibet – poking your tongue out is good manners here. Dating back to the ninth century, this way of welcoming people stems from an old Tibetan fear of Lang Darma – a nasty king with a black tongue. To prove you’re not Lang reincarnated, stick out your normal pink tongue and you’ll be OK.
Tuvalu – press your face to your host’s cheek and take a deep sniff – that’s the traditional welcome on this little island.
Mongolia – Mongols will often present new guests with a piece of silk or cotton known as a hada. Receive it graciously by holding it gently with both hands. Then bow slightly to signify mutual respect.
Japan – the bow is de rigueur here, from a little nod of the head to deep, right-angle bend at the waist – the longer the bow, the deeper the respect. Most young people use the nodding version these days.
Kenya – the Masai warriors traditionally greet guests with a welcoming dance called the adamu, or jumping dance. Don’t worry: you’re not expected to reciprocate, but you may be offered a drink of cow’s milk mixed with blood …
Greenland – the Inuit people greet friends and family with the kunik – one person’s nose and top lip is pressed against another person’s skin for a few breaths. If you are greeted in this way, consider yourself one of the family.
China – to carry off the kowtow greeting, fold your hands together and bow and, if you’re a woman, then move the hands down to your sides.
Thailand – the wai is easy to master. Make a slight bow of the body and head with palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion and say Sawaddee (meaning ‘hello’). The higher the hands, the greater the respect. This tradition was first used to prove oneself free of weapons, but now it’s just a way of being nice.
Philippines – if greeting someone older than yourself, take their right hand with your right hand, say Mano Po (mano for hand, po for respect) and they will gently guide your knuckles to their forehead. A younger person may expect you to do the same for them.
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