The Badge Archive

Greetings Around the World

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Daisy Petal – Friendly and Helpful badge requirements.

Items Needed

Instructions

  1. Choose 3 countries you’d like to learn about and research how people in each country greet each other (e.g., words, gestures, or customs) or use the printout of Greetings Around the World.
  2. Share or discuss what you’ve learned with others.

Other Country Greetings

Here are some commonly known greetings from various countries:

  • Botswana: Holding hands lightly and softly pressing them down, as a form of polite acknowledgment.
  • Chile: A handshake and a kiss on the right cheek are common greetings, particularly in social settings, but a handshake alone can be used in more formal situations.
  • China: Bowing or nodding is traditional, though in modern settings a handshake may be used.
  • in social settings, but a handshake alone can be used in more formal situations.
  • Fiji: A smile combined with an upward movement of the eyebrows is indeed a friendly and welcoming way to greet others in Fijian culture.
  • France: People often exchange kisses on both cheeks (la bise), though the number of kisses varies by region.
  • Germany: A handshake is the standard greeting, but hugs are reserved for close friends or family.
  • India: A traditional greeting is pressing the palms together in front of the chest (Namaste) while slightly bowing.
  • Italy: Friends and family may greet with kisses on both cheeks, accompanied by warm hugs.
  • Japan: Bowing is a deeply rooted tradition and a sign of respect, with the depth of the bow indicating the level of formality.
  • Kenya: In Maasai culture, a traditional greeting involves spitting on the ground or lightly touching someone’s head as a sign of respect.
  • New Zealand: Among the Māori, the “hongi” greeting involves pressing noses together to share the breath of life.
  • Russia: A firm handshake is common, but it’s important to maintain eye contact.
  • South Korea: Bowing is a traditional way to greet, with deeper bows indicating greater respect.
  • Thailand: The “wai” gesture involves pressing the palms together at chest level and bowing slightly.
  • Tibet: Sticking out the tongue to show respect and friendliness.
Tia Kennard