Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1858-08-11
SALUTATIONS AMONG DIFFERENT
NATIONS.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.
The expressions used as salutations a.
mong different nations have under their
common aspect, something characteristic
and interesting, even for the most casual
observer.
In the East the expressions SAVIOR in a
more or less degree, of the Scriptures, and
OF the serene and patriarcha sentiments
OF the inhabitants. One recognizes the
immobility of these pastoral and war-lke
people, standing aloof from all human
progress. Nearly all have a foundation in
religious sentiment, and express peace to
those to whom they are addressed. The
salutation used by the Arab, Salem or
'Shalum,' means peace, and is found in
the word Jerusalem. The Arab salutes
his sfriend thus; May you have a happy
morning. May God grant you his favors;'
IfGod wills it. you are WELL This last
expression betrays their lanaticism.
Turks have formula which can only be
used in sunny clime-May your shadow
never be less An Englishman would
never think of wishing a fine shaGow.
The climate of Egypt is feverous, and
perspiration is necessary tohealth hence
the Egyptian meeting you, asks How do
you perspire? ?
Have you eaten? Is your stomach in
in good order?' asks the Chinaman-a
touching solicitude, which can only be
appreciated by a nation of gourmands
Good cheer says the modern Greek, in
nearly the same language that the an
clients were wont to greet their friends. A
charming salutation, which could only
have originated among the happy careless
Greeks.
The Romans, who were heretofore 70.
bust, indeiatigablc and laborious. had on.
ergctic salutatioas, expressing force and
action; 'Salve,' 'Be strong;' BE healthy :
and 'Guidavis;' what do YOU do?' or
what make you?
The Genoese of modern times saws
Health and wealth. which is very an
propriato for an active and commercial
people.
The Neapolitan dcvoutly says, CROWN
sanctity;' and the Picdmontes, 4 am vour
servant The How stand you p of al !
most all Italy, forciJly. indicates the non>
chanlance Of that sunny land.
The Spaniard, grave, naughty and in
different, wishes you Good-morning,' TO
which we respond, AT your service SIR
Another salutation which the Snaniard
uses. God be with you, signor,' shows q
melange of respect for himself and relipi-
GUS sentiment.
The ordinary salutation Of the German
Is 'Wie Gents ?-'how goes it p and has n
vagueness partaking somewhat of the
dreamy character of the German. To bid
one adieu, he says Ieben sic wohll Live
quiet and be happy This last plainlyin-
dicates his peaceful nature andlove for the
simple joys of life.
Ihe travelling llolander asks you, Hoe
wart age? How do you do? p The thought
ful active Swede, demands 'Ofwhat do Won
think? whilst he more placid Dane, uses
the German expression, Iiv vel'-.Liye
WELL But the greeting of the Pole is best
Of all: Are you happy?
The English have the Good bve.' cor
ruption of Good be with you, and some
Others but that which best exhibits tbe
charcter of the English is How doyou do p
as the activity of the people is shown in
this demand where the do is spoken twice
Nothing is more characteristic, more live
ly, or more stirring than this.
The Commentvouz porter vouz Z? ofthe
Frenchman is equally characteristic. The
Frenchman is more active than laborious
more ardent, more passionate, than
thoughtful, and hence the principle With
him is not to do, but to go-to be lively, to
show himself. There is something in this
expression Comment vous porter vous p
'Ilow do you carry yourselfP which be-
speaks at once his frank manner and
pleasant face.