St. Mary's beacon., 1858-07-22
salutations Among Different Nations.

The expressions used as salutations among
different nations have, under their common
ASPECT sf1tnething characteristic and interest
ing even for the most casual observer.
In the East these expressions SAVIOR, in
more or less degree, of the Scriptures and ofthe
serene and patriarchal sentiments of the in
habitants. One recognizes the immohihty OF
these pastoral and warlike people, standing
aloof frTn all human progress. Nearly all
have foundation in religious sentiments, and
express peace to those to whom they are ad-
dressed. The salutation used by the Arab.
Salem" or "Shalum," means peace, and is
found in the word Jerusalem. The Arab sa-
lutes his friend thus: "May you have hap
py morning." "May God grant you his fa-
vors;' IF God wills It, you afe we'll" This
last expression betrays their fanaticism.
Turks have a formula which can only be
used in sunny cline. "May your shadow
never be less" An Englishnan would never
think of wishing friend fine shadow.
The climate Of Egypt is feverous. and per-
spirations is necessary to health; hence the
Egyptian meeting you, asks, "How do you
pcTspire 90
"fave you eatcn?". ais your stomach in
good Ordere" asks the Chinaman-a touching
solicitude, which can only be appreciated by a
nation of gpurmands.
GOOD cheer" says the modern Greek, in
nearly the same laEghage that the ancicnts
were wont to greet their friends. charming
salutation, which could have only originated
among the happy, careless Greeks.
The Romans, who were heretofore robust,
indefatigabk and laborious. had energetic SAL
utations, expressing force and acti,,n: "S!ave. ;
"Be strong" "Be healthy, and Guidayis,' y
"What do you do ?" or "what make you :"
The GenOese of modern times says, Health
and wealth." which is very appropriate for an
active and commercial people.
The Neapo,itan devoutly SAYS, Grow in
sanctity;" and the Piednortese, Il am your
servant +" The ''How stand you p of almost
all italy, forcibly indicates the nonchalance
of that sunny land.
The Spaniard, grave naughty and indiffer-
ent, wishes You "GoOd-morning," to which
VIC respond "At your service, SIR" Anoth-
er salutation which the Spaniard tises, "God
be with, You, sishuf;" shows a melange of res
pect for ones self and religious sentiment
The ordinary salutation of the German is
"Wie Geh,s ,s'"--How goes it ?" and has a
vagueness partaking somewhat Of the dreamy
character or the German. To bid one adier.
he says, 'Leben slew no woh r'-"Live q :iet
and be happy Tins last plainly indicates
his peaceful nature and love for the simple
joys of life.
The travelling Hollander asks you, Hoe
waat'sge ?"-How do you go:" The thought
full active Swed, demands, "Of what do you
think ?" whilst the Dane, more p acid, uses tine
German expression. Liv vel"-"Live H.
But the greeting OF the Pole is best of all -
"Afe sou happy?"
The English have the Goodbye" cur
ruption Of "Good he with you," and some
others; but THAT which best exhibits the char
actcr of the English is "How do You do? 20 as
the activity nf the people is shown in this de-
mapd wbefe the do is spoken twice. Moth
ing Is niors characteristic. move hteiy, or more
stirring than this.
The comment vouz portcz vouz ?" Of the
Frcnchman is equally characteristic. The
Frenchman is more active than laborious-
more ardent, more passionate, than thought
ful; and hence the principle wist him is not
to do, but to g,-to be lively to show himself
There is something in this expression, Com
ment vous porter vous ?"-"How do You car
ry yourself ?'-which bespeaks at once his
frank manner and pleasant face.