Folk Etiquette----Common Greeting

In most cultures, when you meet acquaintances for the first time during a day, it is normal to greet them. The main purpose of this greeting is to build up a good relationship between the people concerned, and each languages usually had a number of set phrases which can be used for this purpose.
The most common form of greeting is ni hao, usually translated as “Good day” but literally meaning “ You are well.” The same greeting phrased as a question (“How are you?”) is “ni hao ma”. The response is usually ni hao. You may use it on any occasion regardless of the time of day or the social status of the person you are greeting.

The handshaking, which was first introduced into China after the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty at the beginning of last century, is now a common form of greeting among Chinese. Besides the concept of a republic, thanks to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, many unknown and unforeseen practices were imported from Europe: to work on weekdays and to have day off on Sundays, the solar calendar, the brushing of teeth, and a few. In old China, the courteous behavior was that when people met or parted, they bowed to each other and cupped their own hands one in the other, chest high, and raise them slightly as a salute. After almost a century the westernized way of greetings has become more and more popular among the masses, while the aged-old national practices have almost been forgotten through neglect. But instead of handshaking, young Chinese tend simply to nod as a greeting.

Folk Etiquette----Custom of Kowtow

 In historical operas and films, one can often see Chinese people performing kowtow---a traditional custom for worships on bended knees. It is said that the history of kowtow can be traced back as early as the legendary Emperor Xuan Yuan. How this custom originated and how it survived throughout history has a lot to do with the living standards and customs of ancient Chinese people.
Traditional Chinese etiquette contained situations in which kowtow was performed. According to imperial Chinese protocol, kowtow was performed before the emperor. During the Spring Festival, younger family members would kowtow to members of each generation above them. At a wedding ceremony, the bride and bridegroom had to kowtow to everyone from the eldest down to their parents in order. During ancestor worship services and the Bright and Clear Festival, kowtow was also often performed.
The connotation of the words “to sit” in ancient times was completely different from what we understand today. “Sitting” is generally known as kowtow today. Both knees bent down on the mat, with the buttocks resting on the heels. When meeting a guest, the host usually had to stretch the upper part of the body to show respect. Gradually, the custom of kowtow became a part of daily life.
Kowtow ended gradually with the abolishment of the feudal system in 1911. However, during sacrifices and birthday celebrations for the elders, kowtow was also passed on from generation to generation. In addition，in Buddhist or Taoist monasteries, Kowtow is often performed before Buddhist or Taoist statues.