GREETING - The African Way

The African nature and characteristic is undoubtedly very solidifying and well noted, while the people of the west dwell in formal ideologies and philosophies, the African man says; I have another way.

 In the vein, I am drawing your attention specifically to the context of greeting. This is something of great importance to the Africans. While an English man would say hello, and shake hands, Africans feel that there is a need to do more. Hence, the African way of hospitality
and good reception.
 It is of this same note I use the custom of the Massai tribe of Kenya in regards to greeting, as a case study. Okay! Just wait for it! The Massai tribe of Kenya are great men whose way of greeting is by bending and spitting, yeah you heard me right. While the Yoruba man would prostrate while greeting, the Massai tribe would rather spit, this custom has brought them closer, besides its still the African way. It is also shocking to note that the way they greet a newly born, it is their belief that if praises are rained on the child, the child will be cursed. So instead, they spit on the baby and term him bad so as to protect the child from evil spirit. The Massai warriors also spit before shaking elders as a sign of respect. They feel and appreciate the need to deliver saliva as a sign of respect before uttering a word of greeting.
 So, I just sit and praise Africa for its unique custom and beliefs. Why not try out this practice and share with us how it went, it may not be that bad you know….

Written by: Amanda Daniels.