I have always loved the tradition in Asian countries of bowing to someone as a greeting. It sets the tone for a polite exchange. It feels deeply respectful without being too familiar. The “namaste” bow in India essentially means “I bow to the divine in you which is the same as the divine within me.” A perfect start to any communication!
The handshake in western countries has been around since at least the 9th century and has traditionally been done with the right hand. It is thought to have been a friendly greeting as it simultaneously acted as proof that you came in peace and were not holding a weapon. Clasped hands also acted as a symbolic gesture cementing words into bonds. Many Latin American and European cultures also added hugging and cheek kissing as well as handshakes to express warmth towards others.
With the 2019 H1N1 and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemics, many studies were done investigating the spread of microbial pathogens as a result of handshakes. Recommendations were made to switch to the fist or elbow bump as these spread less germs. It has been hard on all of us to stop hugging, stay 6 feet (2 meters) away from each other and hide our smiles behind masks. Touch is a very healing and necessary part of communication.
But until hugs return, I choose the bow as a greeting and parting gesture. I choose to give respect and to see the divine in all of us.
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