The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1859-01-08
Saiutations Among the Different Nations.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

The expressions used as sa!utations among
different nations ha We, under their common
aspect, something characteristic and inte-
resting, even to the most casual observer.
In the East, some Of these expressions sa
vor in more or less degree, Of the Scrip
lures. and OF the serene and patriarchal SEN
tlment Il the inhabitants. One recognizes
the imnobility Of these pastoral and war
like people, standing slsof from all human
progress. Nearly ali have n foundation in
religious sentiments, and express peace 10
those to whom they are addressed. The
S,iutation used by the Arab, "Sa'ein' or
"Shaum, means peace, and is found in the
word Jerusalem. The Arab saiutes his
friend thus, May you have n happy morn
ing ;9s May God grant you his iavors; III
God wills it, you are we'll" This last ex-
precision plainly betrays their fnnaticism.
The Turk. have formula which can only
he used in sunny cline, -" May your sha-
dow never be less" An Engiishman would
never think Of wishing q friend fine sha-
dow.
The climate of Egypt is feverish, and per
spration is necessary TO health hence the
Egyptian, meeting you, asks, How do you
perspires"
"liaye you eaten:" "Is your stomach in
good or,ier." asks the CHR anIan; a touch
ing so'ic'udc, which can Only be appreciated
by Ta,o. Of gourmand-.
Good cheer SAYS the modern Greek, IN
nearly the same language that the ancient>
were wont to greet their friends. charm
ing s,lUia,ion, which could only have origin
ate among the happy, careless Greeks.
The Roman, who were heretofore robust,
inGcfs,igabie and laborlous, had energetic
saiutatians, expressing force and action:-
Salve;' Be s,ronS," Be healthy and
"guidayss," wi hat do you:" or " What
make you,'
The Genoese, of modern times, say,
Health and wealth," which is very aPpre'
pirate for an active and commercial people.
The N-apoltan devoutly says, "Grow in
sancti,y;" and the P'sdmontese, >" am
your servant" The "H How stand you'" OF
almost all Italy, torcibly indicates the aon-
chalance oil the sunny laud.
The SpaniaTd, grave, naughty, and indi
feren,. wishes yuu Good no nina," to
Another saluta,ion which the Spaniard uses,
God be with you, sienor," shows me
lange OF reSpec, for ones self and religious
sentiment,
The ordinary s,|utation Of the German,
is "Wis sehts," How goes it, and has
vagueness partakins somewhat OF the drea
my character Of the German. To bid one
adeu, he says, "Leben Sic wohl, =" Llv'
quiet and happy" This last plainly sxhi
bits his peaceful nature aHd love for the sim
pie joys Of life.
The travelling Hollander asks, Hoe
warts ee." "IIow do you eo'" This
thoughtful, active Swede demands, 90
what do you think :" willis. the Dane, more
placid. uses the German expression, :" L''
+ veil ""Lve welt" But the greeting of :h'
Pole is hest of all, " Are you happy
The English have the " Gooi bye cor
ruption of the words God be with ysu.
! and some others; but that which exn bit
I best the character Of the English is, " How
do vou dor as the activity of the people i
shown in this demand, where the do i
spoken twice. Nothing ! more Characters
tie. more likely, or more stirring than this
The Continent vous port,z vsu,: O
the French i equally characteristics. la'
FreuChman IS more active than lsHcrlou>-
more ardent, more passionate than thou "a;
iul: hence, the principle v IL him i ~; Il
%, but t. go--;o be lively, to show hiIn~c.i
There i sornethiug IN TINS eXirrs>'on, -
comment vous portez youS:' How d
Won carry yoaE>eii,' which bespeai a. one
his frauk manner and p'cssan, face.