Allow me to introduce to you our culture
By Jenaisle
@Jenaisle (16568)
Philippines
April 20, 2023 5:27am CST
There are certain things that identify us from other cultures, and I want to introduce some of our practices to you. I'm assuming that many of you may want to learn about other cultures like the Filipino culture. So, here are some practices showing respect for older people.
1. Whenever we meet someone we know who is older than us, we do the "mano po" We take the person's hands and touch our foreheads to the back of his/her hand as a sign of respect.
2. We say "opo' and "po" to show respect when we talk to people, especially elders. So, if you want to be respectful when you visit the country, say "opo" or "po" at the end of your statements.
What about you? What are your cultural practices for respecting older people? You may want to share them with us, so we can all learn. Thank you.
Image credit: wacom-asia.com
13 people like this
12 responses
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
20 Apr 23
Those are very interesting customs. Here in the southern part of the US, we're taught to say yes mam and no mam and yes sir and no sir as a sign of respect.
2 people like this
@Jenaisle (16568)
• Philippines
20 Apr 23
@1creekgirl I have forgotten it already. Take care.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
20 Apr 23
@Jenaisle Thank you so much. I really felt bad about it.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
21 Apr 23
Respecting elders is a good thing I have not observed anything special here.
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (16568)
• Philippines
21 Apr 23
@allknowing Right, i learned that here. Thank you for the info.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
21 Apr 23
@Jenaisle Among Hinus they touch the feet of elders.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
20 Apr 23
We bow down and touch their feet if they are closed family or someone respectable like our teachers to seek their blessings. For other elderly, we bow down while folding our hands and saying Namaskar/ pranam/ Namaste. 'ji' is a way to show respect in Hindi. Different regional languages have their own version of 'ji".
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (16568)
• Philippines
24 Apr 23
@arunima25 Oh, I see, thanks for the information. I can now use it,
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
24 Apr 23
@Jenaisle Namaste is a way to greet same age group or younger ones. People say Pranam or add ji to Namaste for elderly.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91150)
• United States
20 Apr 23
Very interesting to learn about the Filipino culture. Respect for old people is something that I think here is becoming less and less. I was always taught to respect my elders.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
21 Apr 23
Yes, we dot that sir and ma'am thing, but I always feel weird when someone calls me "sir" just because I'm older or even a lot older.
1 person likes this
I guess there's no other way they could show their respect.
@LindaOHio (222726)
• United States
28 Apr 23
Your customs are lovely. We speak with respect to older people and give them our seats when we see them standing. I am now a senior; so I expect these things from the younger people.
1 person likes this
@Laurakemunto (13787)
• Kenya
20 Apr 23
I have seen this kind of greetings among the Muslims in my country so am accustomed to it thanks for sharing
1 person likes this
