What are greeting rituals?

Greeting rituals are special ways people say hello to each other, just like how you might have a favorite way to start your day.

Imagine you and your friend always give each other a high-five before school starts, that’s a kind of greeting ritual. It's a fun, repeated action that shows you're happy to see each other. Some people shake hands, some hug, others say "hello" in a special way or even do a little dance.

Greeting rituals help us know when someone is coming or going. Think of it like your morning routine, if you always brush your teeth before breakfast, you know what comes next. Greeting rituals are the same thing but for people meeting up. They make saying hello feel special and familiar, just like your favorite snack after lunch.

Sometimes, these greetings can change depending on who you're with or where you are, like how you might say "hi" to your mom differently than you do to your best friend. But no matter what, they’re all about showing friendship and excitement when we meet again.