The Open Hand—a Universal Sign
When (meet) people at the airport, most people smile and shake hands with the people they meet. We know that a smile is usually a sign that people feel (friend) and happy, but what will happen we don't know who the new person is? What if we are not introduced by a friend? What if we are meeting a stranger in an unfamiliar place?
Sometimes people are dangerous and humans have to find ways to protect (them). We have to make sure we can trust people we do not know, and we have to show that we are not dangerous. Showing our hands(mean) that we are not armed. In many cultures today, the Western custom of shaking hands(use). We use our right hand, which is usually (strong) than the left one. If we are using our hand this way, it can't be holding a knife or a gun. It shows that we trust the other person, and that the other person can trust us.
Not all cultures use the handshake, and people in many Asian cultures do not always touch another person. Japanese people might cover one handthe other hand, depending onthey are greeting, bow (鞠躬) slightly or quite low. In India, Hindu people join their hands in front of their faces and bow their heads. A Muslim will touch his heart, mouth and forehead to show respect.
In almost all cultures, to smile and showopen right hand means, "welcome, you are safe with me."
