Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
salutation, Among Different Nations.

The expressions used as salutatlons among oif'
ferent nations, have under their common aspecL
something characteristic and interesting even for
the most casual observer.
In the East, some of these expressions saVor,
in greater or less degree of the Scriptures, ano
the serene and patriarchsl sentiment of the in.
habitants. One recognizes the innobiity OF
these pastoral and warlike people, standing aloof
from all human progress. Nearly all have 8
foundation in religious sentiments, ard 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 sslutes his friend thus:
''May you have happy morning." sMay God
grant you his favors;" eff God wills it, you are
WELL" This last expression plainly betrays their
fanaticism.
The Turks have formula which can only be
used in q sunny clime;!"May your shadow pev,
er be less" An Englishmsn wouldn't think of
wishing his friend fine shadow.
The climate of Egypt is feverish, and perspira'
ton is necessary to health, hence the Egyptian,
meeting you, asks, show do you perspirea"
"Have you eaten ?" SIS your stomach in good
order2" asks the Chinaman, a touching solici.
tude, which can only be appreciated by nation
of gourmands. ;.
SGood cheer" says the modern Greek, in
nearly the same language that the ancients were
wont to greet their friends. A charming salu-
tation, which could only have originated among
the happy, careless Greeks.
The Romans, who were heretofore robust, in
defatigable and laborious, had energetic salnta'
tions, expressing force and action. "Salve," "be
strong" ''be healthy" and "Quid facias, ""what
| do you2n or s'What make you"
The Genoese of modern times say, "Health
and wealth." which is very appropriate for an
active and commercial people.
The Neapolitan devoutly says, "Grow in sane.
tity," and the Piedmontese, 81 am your servant y
The "How stand you 2" of almost all Italy, forci-
bly, indicates the nonchalanoe of the sunny land.
The Spaniard, grave, haughty and indifferent,
wishes you ''Good morning" to which we re-
spond, sat your service, sir" Another saluta-
tion which the Spaniard uses, "God be withyouu,
signor," shows melange of respect for ones
self and religious sentiment.
The ordinary salutation of the German is
"Wie gehts 7"-"How goes ita" and has a
vagueness partaking somewhat of the dreamy
character of the German. To bid one adieu, he
says, "Liben sic wohl"- -"Livequiet and happy
This last plainly exhibits his peaceful nature and
love for the simple joys Of life.
The travelling Holander asks, "Hoe warts
goa"-"How do you got" The thoughtful, &C,
tive Swede demands, ''Of what do you think y
wnilst the Dane, more placid, uses the German
expression, "Live well-Live WELL" But the
greeting of the Pole is best of all: care You
happy3"
The English have the "Good Bye" q corrup-
ton of the word ''God be with you," and some
others; but that which exhibits best the charac-
ter of the English is, Show do you dot" as the
activity of this people is shown in this demand
where the do is spoken twice. Nothing is more
characteristic, more likely, or more stirring than
this.
The comment vouz portes vous 2" Of the
French is equally characteristic. The French
man is more active than laborous more ardent
more passionate than thoughtful, hence the prin'
ciple with him is not to do, but to go, to be
lively, to show himself. There is something il
the expression: Comment vouz portes vousf
allow do you carry yourself 3"-which be
speaks at once his frank manner and pleasant
u face.