When Yorubas ethnic group bow or prostrate to greet, some people may think they are doing too much, but they are not the only ones who practice this form of greeting.
4 cultures in the world that prostrate to greet like the Yorubas
In many cultures, prostrating is a sign of respect for elders.
Kneeling to greet [Guardiannigeria]
Recommended articles
Here are cultures that greet by prostrating or bow
Yoruba culture
Respect is a key aspect of Yoruba culture. Prostrating to greet is called Idobale and it means "meet the earth". It is seen as a sign of humility. Men greet older people with bows, while women kneel.
ADVERTISEMENT
Yoruba culture also emphasises respect in greeting and conversation, using pronouns like "e" for older people and "o" for friends of the same age.
Japan
Japanese culture emphasises respect and social ranks through a traditional bowing gesture, referred to as ojigi. This involves bowing 15–30 degrees, often kneeling or standing. The bowing can be categorised into zarei (bowing while kneeling) and ritsurei (bowing while standing). Failure to bow at the waist and keep the back straight is considered a sign of laziness, cunniness, or disrespect.
South Korea
![Prostrating in Korea culture [Korea.net]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'790'%20height%3D'494'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Prostrating in Korea culture [Korea.net]")
Prostrating in Korea culture [Korea.net]
Pulse Nigeria
ADVERTISEMENT
South Korea's Confucian tradition values respect for seniority based on age, family position, or job. Men greet older people with bows or prostrations, while women kneel.
This respect is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, including manners of speaking, greeting, eating, drinking, and smoking. For instance, you ought to put out your cigarette if an older person walks by.
Vietnam
Bowing is not as common as in Japan or Korea, but it is a way to show respect and honor. It can be used simultaneously for greeting ancestors at the family altar or when one is given lucky money from elders during the Tet holiday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hawaii
In ancient Hawaii, kapu moe was a form of prostration where all members prostrated in of front of a nīʻaupiʻo or piʻo chief, with the exception of naha and wohi chiefs who had to sit in their presence.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Press Play Benin City: Catch up on the action from the #PressPlayConcert
Jameson Whiskey returns to Lagos with Jameson Distillery on Tour
Axe Dark Temptation Influencer Soiree: Axe Dark temptation brings irresistible scents
5 Nigerian celebs who know how to dress for themed events
DIY Recipes: How to make chicken suya
5 Beauty trends taking over Nigeria in 2024
7 secret countries you probably haven’t heard of
The only continent in the world where time doesn't exist
These 5 foods help prevent pregnancy
Pioneering New Pathways: DefEar’s leads Nigeria’s media with branding, talent services
Meet Nala, the richest cat in the world with a net worth of over $100m
5 countries where it's easiest to own a gun
Pulse Sports
'I am a chosen' - New Victor emerges for Super Eagles as Nigerian star steals spotlight in UCL debut with 64-minute show
Victor Osimhen reaches 5 MILLION followers on Instagram hours after impressive Galatasaray debut
Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu loses talented 18-year-old Nigerian youth international
‘You can’t cage such players’ - Ex-Super Eagles star claims Eguavoen is a better coach than Peseiro
'I carry a lot of pressure with me' - Antonio Conte explains life without Victor Osimhen
He was the best - Fabio Capello wastes no time in picking Ballon d'Or winner
Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi beats Jay Jay Okocha’s Premier League record
Victor Osimhen: Chelsea to save ₦135 Billion by signing exciting alternative to Super Eagles striker
ADVERTISEMENT
![The continent where time doesn't exist [Shuttershock]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "The continent where time doesn't exist [Shuttershock]")