ไหว้

(This post title reads'The Wai'- pronounced 'why'. Why? Because I've been thinking perhaps I should let you in on that which is normal in this very different culture I am living in. The customs on this side of the planet are both bizarre and perhaps worth practicing. See for yourself!)

Greeting -verb: 1. to address with some form of salutation.

In North America we stretch out our hands and shake them up and down rather vigorously. (I'm beginning to think that Asian cultures must think this terribly odd.) In places such as Ecuador you learn to practice a simple kiss on the cheek (which I became rather fond of.) But here in Thailand, the greeting is both a salutation and a display of great respect.

To practice the wai one must place their hands in a prayer-like position, elbows in, thumbs close to the body, and accompany the gesture with a slight bow of the head- or a great bow of the head if the greeting is towards someone of high social stature (you must never forget to wai the grandparents of anyone you meet!) The various positions of the wai can express respect, authority, obedience, apologies, and happiness. It's a simple movement, yet deeply complex.

Ah, the greetings of the world.