한국어 English Español Deutsch Português 日本語 Esperanto العربية 中文 Français Русский

Guide to Conduct and Ceremony

Part 1. General Propriety

Chapter 5. Courtesy in Greeting

Section 1. About Courtesy in Greeting

Courtesy in greeting is the first outer statement of the respect within one’s heart. Respect is expressed in various ways, but the basis of showing respect is always the same. Among the various ways of expressing respectful courtesy there are courteous ways of standing, courteous ways of sitting, courteous ways of shaking hands, and courteous ways of saluting. Also there are greater courtesies and smaller courtesies. The greater courtesies are those that are offered in higher places such as Buddhist altars, pagodas, or shrines, or to one’s parents or elders. The smaller courtesies are required toward those who are of equal or lower position. Thus, one who performs the proprieties should be aware of these modes and apply them according to time and place.