If you're traveling abroad and want to show respect for the people you meet, you should know the local customs. It's easy to get the wrong message if you shake hands in one country and kiss in another. Here are some surprising things about how people greet each other around the world.
In Sweden, friends hug once on each cheek, starting with the left.
In France, people greet friends with a kiss on each cheek or, if they're very close, three kisses.
In Japan, bowing is an important form of nonverbal communication. A slight bow is appropriate when meeting someone new while a 15-degree bow is reserved for apologies or expressions of gratitude.
In Argentina, Brazil, and other South American countries, men usually kiss women (and sometimes other men) on the cheek when they meet.
If you're visiting Bulgaria or Turkey, be ready to give a light handshake and pat on the back at the same time.
In Thailand it's customary to wai (a prayer-like gesture with your hands together) instead of shaking hands or kissing cheeks. Women should wai before men do and children before adults. There is a tradition of welcoming the New Year in each country. In some countries, people dance, play music and sing songs to welcome the New Year. In some other countries, people go to the temple to pray for happiness and peace. People dress up in costumes and run around the streets with masks on their faces. People in many places light campfires and fireworks to celebrate the coming of the New Year.
In Japan, people eat noodles at midnight on New Year's Eve because they think eating long noodles will make them live longer. At midnight, everyone shouts "Happy New Year" three times in a row and drinks champagne. You can see fireworks all over Japan at this time. People also visit temples and pray for a happy and healthy new year.
Each country has its own customs and habits welcoming the new year. Some traditions are similar while others are different.