| by Raymon Kondos CAIRO (youregypt.com)
- Affection among same sexes is common in Egypt but not between
different sexes, even between married couples, particularly in
public.
Affection could be shown among same sexes by exchange of kisses
in cheeks and sometimes hugs, particularly among women.
Kisses increase among females in rural areas and in Upper Egypt
in particular, and sometimes old women kiss hands of each others
to express mutual respect.
Upper Egyptians in traditional clothes |
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For people in rush, sometimes greetings is done with a gesture
of the hand over the forehead, something similar to a scout's salutation.
Under some circumstances, physical contact between different sexes
is not appropriate. This includes handshakes. Of course this differs
with classy people.
Handshakes between men have to be strong, and sometimes even both
palms are used to express more cordiality, one hand followed by
another. Sometimes a handshake is followed by a gesturing touch
on the elbow or shoulder of the opposite man
Handshake is a custom that has been adopted since Ancient Egypt,
with traces that could be referring back to Babylonians.
It is not uncommon to see men walking hand in hand, or women walking
arm in arm in streets.
If you wanted to smoke cigarettes in the presence of others, it
is a must that you offer those around you to smoke, even if you
know they don't smoke.
Egyptians are extremely friendly and hospitable. People tend to
prove it by one way or another. Incapability to show hospitality
and generosity is considered a deficiency in values and morals.
The simplest way is an invitation to have tea at house. Even the
invitation may be attached to the Good Morning …
Example 1:
| - |
Good Morning … come and drink tea with me. |
| - |
No Problem |
Egyptians are so much persistent in invitations and usually a
simple rejection won't stop them, and for some, rejection means
an insult.
So if you want to reject some invitation, you have to repeat your
rejection over and over accompanied by a pretext … for example
that you are late on some appointment … etc.
Example 2:
| Egyptian: |
Come and have tea with me. |
| Tourist: |
No ... thanks |
| Egyptian: |
Seriously ... come ... come ... |
| Tourist: |
Really I can't! |
| Egyptian: |
What? Do you think I am stingy or something. |
| Tourist: |
Believe Me! I have got to wake up so early in the morning
tomorrow. |
Invitations to foreigners are known as part of the Egyptian gallantry,
whether to relative, another Egyptian or just a visiting tourist.
For Egyptians, it proves how much they honor guests and that the
warmer they receive guests the better impression they will have.
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