大象传媒

Guide: Unusual greetings from around the world

  • Published
noseImage source, AFP

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their son Prince George, have begun a 19 day visit to New Zealand and Australia.

Whilst in New Zealand, they've been greeted by Maori leaders with the traditional 'Hongi' - by rubbing noses.

But the 'Hongi' isn't the only unusual greeting used around the world.

Here's Newsround's guide to some other ways to say hello in other countries - where shaking hands just isn't enough.

1. Tibet

In most countries sticking out your tongue would be considered a bit rude, but in Tibet it's a way of greeting.

It has been a tradition since the 9th century, the time of an unpopular king called Lang Darma, who was known for his black tongue.

People in Tibet, thought that the king had been reborn, so to prove they weren't the king, they would show their tongues.

The traditional greeting is now a form of respect.

Image source, Jerry Redfern
Image caption,

In Tibet, sticking out your tongue is a way of saying hello

2. Greenland

The traditional greeting of Greenland is called the Kunik.

It is normally used by family members, and involves pressing the nose and upper lip against the other person's skin - then breathing on them.

Image caption,

In Greenland, families use the 'Kunik' to say hello

3. Philippines

When a young person says hello to an older person in the Philippines, they use a unique way of greeting them.

The younger person will bow and hold the right hand of the older person - pressing the knuckles of those they greet against their forehead.

When the knuckles are touching the forehead they say Mano (which means hand) and Po (which means respect).

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

In the Phillippines, young people greet their elders using the "Mano Po".