Etiquette Around the World

Definition: Etiquette

A code that governs the expectations of social behavior, according to the contemporary conventional norm within a society, social class, or group. It may be written or unwritten and can vary dramatically from one culture to another. Here a few examples:

• In Asia, etiquette forbids tapping chopsticks against the side of a bowl, crossing one's chopsticks with those of someone else, and for two people to touch food with their chopsticks at the same time. It is considered rude to gesture with chopsticks or use them to skewer food.
• In Bangladesh, women do not shake hands but instead greet others with a polite nod.
• In China, it may be considered shocking for a pregnant woman to attend a funeral due to the belief that this endangers her baby.
• In India, it is rude to open a gift in front of the person who has given it. Gifts are opened in private.
• Tipping is often seen as a foreign custom in New Zealand and sometimes as patronizing; service is included in what you pay for. It is rare outside the main centres and should never be considered compulsory. But it times of exceptional service, tipping is appreciated.
• In Asia, shoes should be removed in the foyer before entering someone's home. Socks or stockings should be very clean and in good condition. These rules also apply to restaurants, except those with Western-style tables and chairs. Shoes must never be pointed toward a Buddha.
• In rural Brazil many homes do not have doorbells. To announce once's arrival it is appropriate to stand in the yard and clap one's hands. If no one comes to the door, then the visitor may approach the door, knock, and then step back away from the door and await a response.
• In Thailand, the king is very highly regarded and any sign of disrespect is a major faux pas. Currency, postage stamps, magazines covers and any other items with the king’s image are never tossed to the ground. Even licking the back of a postage stamp is considered disrespectful. Money or other items with the King's image that are dropped accidentally should immediately be picked up and reverently brushed.
• In Mexico, the color purple is associated with funerals and should be avoided when giving flowers .
• In India, it is rude to make any comment about a woman’s appearance unless she is a very close relative.
• Among Muslims, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and considered unclean. Thus, the right hand should be used for eating. Shaking hands or handing over an item with one's left hand is an insult.
• In Iran, the "thumbs up" gesture is considered an offensive insult. It is the same as giving someone "the finger" in the West.