1. Gift-giving taboos exist in Indonesia. 2. This is because in Indonesian culture, there are some specific rules and taboos for gift-giving. First, when giving gifts, pay attention to the value of the gift. An overly expensive gift may be regarded as a bribe. Secondly, the object of gift-giving should also be aware that different people have different rules for accepting gifts. For example, religious leaders may refuse to accept gifts. In addition, the time of gift-giving is also important. Indonesians believe that it is more appropriate to give gifts on specific festivals or celebrations, while giving gifts at other times may be considered inappropriate. 3. In addition to the gift-giving taboos mentioned above, there are some other etiquette norms in Indonesian culture. For example, use the right hand when shaking hands, as the left hand is considered unclean in Indonesia; take off your shoes when entering someone’s house as a sign of respect; and eat with the right hand when eating, as the left hand is considered unclean in Indonesia. Understanding and adhering to these etiquette norms can help people better integrate into Indonesian culture.
What is the meeting etiquette of Indians?
Meeting etiquette of Indians:
Indians meet real-world friends and guests with their hands folded, raised to their chests, and said “Namaste” with a smile. This is a traditional meeting ceremony in India. “Namaste” is a word for auspiciousness and respect in Hindi. When Indians meet the person they respect the most, they have to do the foot-touching salute, that is, after meeting, they lean down to touch each other’s feet, and then touch their forehead. This is the highest etiquette to show respect for the person.
Modern city residents are more likely to shake hands when they meet. But it should be noted that they must never extend their left hand to shake hands with others, because Indians believe that the left hand is unclean (when using the left hand to clean up the excrement when going to the toilet), and shaking hands with the left hand is regarded as disrespectful and insulting to people.
Indian homes are usually covered with a carpet, and both guests and the host sit cross-legged on the ground, that is, “sit cross-legged”, with their feet folded on top of their legs and their hands on their knees. City dwellers now use sofas and chairs more, but there are still many people who like to sit cross-legged on the sofa.
The etiquette for Indians to meet each other is to clasp their palms, raise their hands, hug, touch their feet, and kiss their feet. Generally, when their hands are empty, they should read the homage “Namastai” and give a clasp salute at the same time. The height of the clasp should be high, and the hands should be at least flat with the forehead; for the younger generation, it should be low, but it can be at the chest; for the average generation, it should be flat, with the hands between the chest and the lower jaw. If you hold an object, you should say “Namastai” and raise your right hand to salute at the same time. For elders, or when making a plea to someone, the foot-touching ceremony is performed (that is, touching the feet of the elder with your hand, and then touching your head with your hand to show that your head is in contact with the feet of the elder). The heel-touching and foot-kissing ceremony is the highest etiquette in India. When people from some ethnic minorities in southeastern India meet guests, they always press their nose and mouth tightly against each other’s cheeks, and inhale hard, and say: “Smell me!” to show their respect for the guests. When the Sentinelese people of the Andaman Islands of India reunite with their long-lost friends, the two sides sit alternately on each other’s knees and hug warmly for a few minutes to express the joy of the encounter. The meeting etiquette of Indian Muslims is to press the chest with the right hand according to their traditional religious method, while nodding and saying “Allah bless”. Modern Indian men in social situations have also begun to use handshake etiquette, but Indian women generally shake hands with men except in major diplomatic occasions.
Indian etiquette:
1. General etiquette
Orthodox Sikhs wear headscarves, do not smoke, do not eat beef and do not cut their hair.
When entering Indian homes, take off your shoes.
2. Salutation and greetings
When meeting and breaking up, men shake hands with men. If a woman is introduced, the man should not shake hands with her, but should put his hands together and bend slightly. Men cannot touch women and cannot talk to single women in public places.
3. Appointment and punctuality
It is advisable to keep the time.
4. Hospitality and gifts
Although orthodox Muslim women usually do not meet men, if a man is invited to a practical social event, they should be asked to come with their wife.
When you come to an Indian’s house, the host will put a wreath on you. You should take it off immediately as a sign of humility.
Hindus do not eat beef. Cows are sacred animals in India.
Muslims do not eat pork, and Muslims who adhere to their teachings do not drink alcohol.
When receiving or passing food, be sure to use your right hand.
When you are a guest, you can bring fruits and sweets as gifts, or give gifts to the host’s children.
5. Conversation
Indians like to talk about their cultural achievements, Indian traditions, and about other ethnic groups and foreign countries.
Do not talk about personal matters, poverty in India, military spending, and large amounts of foreign aid.
