Nov 12, 2025
The Māori people welcome guests with the hongi, a traditional greeting where two people press their noses and foreheads together. It symbolizes the exchange of “ha,” or breath of life, marking unity and mutual respect.
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When arriving at a Mongolian home, guests may be offered a bowl of milk tea or airag (fermented mare’s milk). Refusing is considered impolite, as it’s a sign of acceptance and warmth from the hosts.
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In many Indian homes and temples, guests are greeted with an aarti, a ritual involving a lighted lamp, and a tilak on the forehead. This symbolizes purity, warmth, and a spiritual blessing for the visitor.
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In Ethiopian culture, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a sign of respect and hospitality. Guests are invited to a slow, multi step coffee ceremony, where beans are roasted, ground, and brewed in front of them.
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Visitors to Fiji are traditionally welcomed with a kava ceremony, where a mildly sedative drink made from the kava root is shared among all. It represents friendship, peace, and community bonding.
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In Thailand, the wai greeting is performed by placing your palms together and bowing slightly. It’s a beautiful gesture of respect and goodwill, often accompanied by a smile.
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In Hawaii, guests are traditionally welcomed with a lei, a garland of fresh flowers placed around the neck. It represents love, friendship, and the spirit of aloha.
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In Tibet, visitors are often greeted with a khata, a ceremonial white scarf that symbolizes goodwill, purity, and compassion. It’s placed around the guest’s neck as a gesture of honour.
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