Bow!

I find it odd that a friend of my daughter does the repetitive bowing each time we meet. Each time he safely brings her home and I meet them at the door, he does this seemingly incessant bows accompanied by a greeting. When he leaves, he does the same. Sometimes he does the short, repetitive, and crisp bows. There was a time, I remember, that he bowed at a deeper angle. It was like a mannerism actually. I had already asked my daughter if his parents are Japanese. Not one is a pure Japanese. But his father and a relative works in Japan I was told. His grandmother has a very little percentage of Japanese blood. Those do not explain why he acts in that manner. But could it be that the guru is the grandma?

I don't have anything against the young man, and this is not gossiping (my dear daughter, this is not, because I am not from showbiz he he). This is not a telltale also. The thing is, I haven't met anybody who greets that way, and leaves that way, too. There is a bonus with the gesture actually - an almost shy but sincere smile.

Because of that, I surfed for the facts about the act. I snatched some from Wikipedia, and I find them very informative:

• - a bow is a social gesture used to show politeness or courtesy


• - prominent in China, Korea and Japan


• - originated as a gesture of subordination


• - bowing is not only reserved for greeting, but it is also a gesture of respect


• - different bows are used for apologies and gratitude


• - some bows are used to express humility, sincerity, remorse, and deference


• - some bows are used in traditional arts and religious ceremonies


• - bows are generally divided into 3 types: informal, formal and very formal

The young man's handsome face surely reads that I find the gesture weird and at the same time fascinating. I am sure he does it out of respect and to show courtesy. A plus point?? :-D

Just to share something for the day. Bow!