Did you know that patting the head is considered offensive in Thailand?
There’s a reason why we say that global cultures are diverse in nature. Well, because they are. In fact, there are certain manners, customs and traditions that mean different things in different countries. For instance, nodding your head up and down that means ‘Yes’ universally, actually means a ‘No’ in Bulgaria. Similarly, there are certain hand gestures which are universally accepted as positive moves have negative connotations in some parts of the world. Come, let’s learn about some of these gestures.
Touching the head in Thailand
If you pat on someone’s head almost anywhere around the globe, it will be taken as something sweet and affectionate. In fact, playfully ruffling someone’s hair is considered as a love gesture. But guess what? In Thailand, both of these are serious offences that can even land you up in jail. Why? Because Thais consider the head as the most sacred and private part of the human body and touching it may be considered as a breach of personal space, disrespect and even messing with the person’s hygiene. So, when in Thailand, make sure to not touch anyone’s head, not even a kid.
Thumbs-up in Iran and Afghanistan
Thanks to social media, the thumbs-up hand motion is now more universalised than ever. But that’s for the internet. If you by chance get an opportunity to visit either Iran or Afghanistan, remember that this otherwise positive hand gesture actually means something profane there. In fact, Iranians often consider thumbs-up as an indecent or offensive action meaning ‘sit on it.’
Victory sign in the UK, Australia and New Zealand
If you want to show the victory or ‘peace out’ sign in India, what do you do? You raise your index and middle finger together, making it look like a “V”, right? But guess what, if you use it in the United Kingdom, it may incite a dispute, especially when it’s shown upside down. Why? Well legends have it that during the 15th century, war prisoners in the country had their second and third fingers chopped off in order to prevent them from using fire bows. However, some managed to flee before undergoing this punishment and often mocked the others who couldn’t. But how? By flashing the “V” sign upside down. Till date, this hand gesture thus refers to something insulting and abusive. Interestingly, the same applies for Australia and New Zealand, maybe because both were once English colonies.
The beckoning motion in Philippines
Around the world, people use their five fingers and palm to wave and nod at somebody with the intention of asking him or her to come closer. It’s what you may identify as the beckoning motion. However, in Philippines, it’s how they summon dogs (or other animals). So, you can understand that it can be demeaning if you use the same to call out people in this country. Interestingly, a similar gesture of waving your palm upwards is often considered disrespectful in South Korea.