You might think that simple things like saying hello and goodbye are the same in every culture. Think again!
Shaking hands to say hello or goodbye was a Western custom at first.
Traditionally, the Chinese custom for greeting was to hold one's hands together and nod their head a little.
Japanese people greet each other by bowing. When greeting an older or more important person, it is usual to bow lower and for longer. But only men did it.
People in European countries such as Italy often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks(脸颊). Even men greet each other like this.
Eskimos, a group of people living in the very cold northern areas of North America, greet each other by lightly rubbing their noses together. Often，Eskimos only leave their eyes and noses uncovered. And the rest of their bodies are covered with warm clothing and their hands with gloves.
When you're not sure what the customs are in a new country, there's one greeting that is the same all over the world: a smile.
A. Kissing is only for close family or women friends.
B. However, Eskimos never greet each other with a bow.
C. Everyone understands a smile so don't be afraid to use it!
D. In some cultures, it is usual to kiss on the cheek three times!
E. This custom probably started because of the freezing weather.
F. Bowing was also traditional in many European countries in the past.
G. But it is now becoming international, especially in business situations.
