Human beings intentionally make their presence known to each other through the act of greeting. This communication suggests a type of relationship, usually cordial, or indicates social status between individuals coming in contact. These customs exist in all known human cultures despite being highly specific to culture and situation. A greeting can be expressed audibly, physically, or through a combination of both methods. Written communications like letters and emails also contain greetings or salutations. The topic excludes military and ceremonial salutes but includes rituals beyond simple gestures. Some epochs have developed very elaborate greeting rituals for greeting a sovereign. Conversely, secret societies often utilize furtive or arcane greeting gestures such as a secret handshake. These special signals allow members to recognize one another within the group.
Global Gesture Variations
In Western cultures, the handshake is very common though it has numerous subtle variations in grip strength. The vigour of the shake varies along with the dominant position of one hand over the other. In Morocco, same-sex people do not greet each other the same way as opposite sex pairs. While men or women will shake hands, kiss on the cheek, and even hug multiple times, public interaction between a man and woman stops at a handshake. The kingdom of Morocco requires that the greeting always be made with the right hand since the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. The most common Chinese greeting, Gongshou, features the right fist placed in the palm of the left hand. Both hands are shaken back and forth two or three times while accompanied by a head nod or bow. This gesture may be used on meeting and parting when congratulating, thanking, or apologizing. In India, palms of the hands are pressed together and held near the heart with the head gently bowed. This practice is known as Namaste or Sat Sri Akal for Sikhs.