SALUTATION (or greeting) is a serious matter in the East; some knowledge of immemorial practice is necessary in dealing with Orientals. The subject salutes his king by prostration; the humble his superior by touching the ground with his hand, and then his lips and brow. The young salutes the aged, the rider the footman, etc. In crowded streets only men of age, rank, and dignity need be saluted ( Matthew 23:7 etc.). Common forms of salutation are, ‘Peace he upon you’; response, ‘And upon you’: ‘May your day be happy’; response, ‘May your day be happy and blessed’: and, in the highway, ‘Blessed be he that cometh’ ( Judges 18:15 , Matthew 10:12 , Luke 24:36 , Psalms 118:26 , Matthew 21:9 etc.). Salutations are frequently prolonged, and repeated inquiries after health and welfare extremely tedious ( 1 Kings 4:29 , Luke 10:4 ). See also Gestures, Kiss.
W. Ewing.