Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-01-28
Salutation Among Nations.

SaIutat10n Among NatlOnSs
The expressions used as salutations anon!
nations, have, under their common aspect
something characteristic and interesting
even for the most casual observer. In thu
East, some Of these expressions SAVIOR IN
more or less degree of the scriptures, and
of the serene and patriarchal sentiment OF
the inhabitants. One recognizes the immo'
bility of the pastoral and warlike people
standing nloof from all human progress
Nearly all have foundation in religious
sentiments, and express peace to those to
whom they address. The salutation used
by the Arab, SALEM, or sshalum, means
peace, and IS found in the word Jerusalem.
The Arab salutes his friend thus: May
you have happy morning. may God
grant you his favors;''if God wills it, you
are WE'LL This last expression plainly be-
trays their fatalism. The Turks have a
formula which can only be used in sunny
climate-'may your shadow never be less
An Englishman would never think OF wish
ing a friend fine shadow. EE
The climate of Egypt is feverish, and
perspiration is necessary to health; hence
the Egyptian, meeting you, asks, how do
you perspire
Good cheer, says the modern Greek, in
nearly the same language that the ancients
were wont to greettheir friends. A charm
ing salutation, which could only have orig
mated among the happy careless Greeks.
The Romans, who were heretofore ro-
bust, indefatigable and laborious, had ener-
getic salutations expressing force and ac-
ton. Slave be strong 'be healthy and
'quid facias,' what do YOU or what make
you?
The Genoesc of modern times say,
Health and wealth. which is very appro-
pirate for an active and commercial peo-
pie.
The Neapolitan devoutly says, grow in
'sanctity;' and the Piedmontese, Il am your
servant The how stand you 2 of almost
all Italy, foreibly indicates the nonchalance
of the sunny land.
The Spaniard, grave, hauty, and indiffer-
emf, wishes You good morning. to which
we respond. AT your service, SIR Another
salutation which the Spaniard uses, God
be with you signor.' shows melange of
respect for ones self and religious senti-
ment.
The ordinary salutation of the German
is 'wiegehts?' How goes TT and has a
vagueness partaking somewhat of the
dreamy character of the German. To bid
one adieu, he says, sLeben sic woh !! 'live
quiet and happy This last plainly ex-
hibits his peaceful nature and love for the
simple joys Of life.
The travelling Holander asks, Hoe
warts go! - how do you go? The
thoughtful Swede demands, 'of what do you
think 2 whilst the Dane, more placid, uses
the German expression, live welf-'live
WE'LL But the greeting of the Pole is best
of all, Are you happy?'
The English have the good bye a COR
ruption of the words God be with you,
aud some others; but that which exhibits
best the character Of the English is, 'how
do you dor as the activity of this people
is shown in this demand where the do is
spoken twice. Nothing is more charac-
teristic, more lively, or morn striking than
this.
The comment vous porter vous 2 of the
French are equally characteristic. The
Frenchman is more active than laborious-
more ardent, more passionate, more thought
full; hence the principle with him is not TO
do, but to go, to be lively, to show himself.
There is something in the expression, com
ment vous porter yous T--'how do you
carry yourself?--which bespeaks at once
his frank manner aud pleasant face.