Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-09-13
sALUfArfONs AMONG DIFFERENTNA.
TVnNS.
[Tmnslated from che FrenchI- -

u
The expressions used as salutations among
different nations have, under their common as
pect, 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 Sc
rene and patriarchial sentiments of the inhab-
itants. One recognizes the immobility of these
pastoral and ,wariike people, standing aloof
from all hnman progress. Nearly all have q
foundation in religious sentiments, and express
peace to those to whom they are addressed
The sslutation used by the Arab, (" "Sslem,'
or Shalum, means peace, and is found in
the word Jerusalem. The Arab salutes his
friend thus: May God grant you q happy
morning ~ |" May God grant you his favors; %
If God wills it, you are we'll" This last ex-
preston betrays their fanaticism
Turks have a formula which can only be used
in a sunny cline" May your shadows never
be less" An Englishman would never think
of wishing fine shadow.
The climate of Egypt is fevsrous, and perspi-
ration is necessary TO health hence the Egypt
ian meeting you, asks How do you perspire?''
nave YOU eaten :" 8 Is your stomach in
good order ?" asks the Chinauan-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 ancients
were wont to greet their friends. A charming
salutation, which could only have originated
among the happy, careless Greeks. .. r.
The Romans, who were here tofore robust, in.
defatigable and laborious, had energetic salu-
tations, expressing force and action Salve,'
g Be strong" Be healthy - and "Guida.
Wis" What do you do?" or "What make
you ?' . '.7---'
The Genoese of modern times says, Health
and wealth, which is very appropriate for an
active and commercial people.
/ The Nespolitan deyoutly says, "Grow in
sanctityi' and the Piedmontese, 81 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 indiffsr-
ent, wishes you GOOD morning" to which we
respond, AT your service, sir. , Another salu-
tation which the Spaniard uses, ''God be with
you, signer, shows a melange of respect for
ones self and religious sentiment. r..
The ordinary salutation of the German is,
6 Vie Gents "-H How goes it2'' and has a
vagueness partaking somewhat of the dreamy
character or German. To bid one adieu, he
says, Leben sic wohl''-:' Live quiet and be
happy" This last plainly indicates his peace
ful nature and love for the simple joys Of Iife
The travelling Hollander asks you, Hoe
waart'sge?''-" do you go''' The thought
full, active swede, demands, "of what do You
tlink ~ whilst the Dane, more placid, uses
the German expression. "Liv VEL" "Live
well, y But the greeting of the Pole is best of
all" Are you happy ?'
The English have the "Good bye," corrup-
tion of " GOod be with you" and some others
but that which best exhibits the character of
the English is "How do you do 2" as the ac-
tivity of the people is shown in this demand
where the do is spoken twice. Nothing is
more characteristic, more lively, or more stir
ring than this. ..I -.
The Comment vouz porter vouz" of the
Frenchman is equally characteristic. The
Frenchman is more active than laborious-
more ardent, more passionate, than thought
fnl and hence the principle with him is not to
10, but to go-to be lively, to show himself
There is something in this expression, "Com-
ment vouz porter vouz ?'' "How do you carry
y1urself ?'-which bespeaks at once his frank
manner and pleasant face.