Why do Asian people bow so much?

Question

Why is it that the Asian people bow? Is it customerry in other countries to lower your back in a horizontal wavelength when you are saluting sailors/individuals? I do not get this idea and find it purplexing as well as discerning and unkempt like my hair of recent.

Answer 1

Asian Bow

Answer 2

As is similar with a hand shake in the Western world, the bow in the Japanese world is very cultural. It can mean many things from 'nice to meet you,' to 'I am very honored' or even, 'You are higher than me on the social ladder of life so I am going to humble myself to you.' The bow can also be used to say 'thank you.' All of these things need to be expressed in some way, especially with the social hierarchy thing, but the Japanese are a very private people, so they cannot express these things in words. The bow takes the place of this. An interesting thing, if you were to got to Japan and spend some time there you would immediately start to pick up the bow and when to use it. Each bow is different and in the context of the situation can be understood. I guess the biggest thing is that the bow is a form of respect. I hope this helps!

Answer 3

The bow, sometimes referred to as a "kowtow", is a greeting and an exchange of respect.

It predates the handshake by a couple thousand years. Of course, in ancient China you would bow to the emperor, a Buddhist priest, a sage, etc. This practice extended to Japan and Korea. While seen as an antiquated practice in China (most such practices were abolished during the Cultural Revolution), you see it every day in Japan, and if you spend much time in Korea, eventually you will see it there.

Even today in China, Japan, and Korea, you will often be greeted with a bow when entering a restaurant or department store (often by a much of nicely-dressed ladies).

And yes, it is more hygienic than even the fist-bump.

Answer 4

People from different cultures have different customs and beliefs. Asians bow to show respect just like Westerners shake hands to show respect. It's just a different way of communicating.

Answer 5

Most Buddhist countries place there hands together to show the unity of man (we are all one). The bow is a sign of respect usually initiated by the younger to the elder or the junior to the senior (like a boss etc....) In some countries the higher the hands are raised the more respect. If you feel comforable you should return the honor just like a sailor saluting his commnading officer.

Answer 6

Its in Japan mate. Its to show respect, its their culture. if you are a foreigner, you dont really have to do it if u value ur hair so much, they will understand. Im half Japanese & i dont do that either..

Answer 7

Not ALL asians, mostly Japanese. The biggest thing is they don't like to touch each other so they don't have the option of shaking hands. Another thing is they like to look at the floor alot.

Answer 8

it just shows respect