When two people meet, there are a lot of ways of greeting. The ways of greeting are not always the same in different countries.
In America, two people usually greet each other with a handshake. It is a way to show respect to the other person. Athletes from opposite teams shake hands before a game for the same reason. However, most Americans don't shake hands when they meet people they have already known well. When American friends meet each other, they might only wave(挥手), or maybe just nod their heads.
In New Zealand, there is a special way of greeting called "Hongi". In the greeting, two people press their noses and foreheads(前额) together and close their eyes. This is an old tradition that comes from the Maori, who were the first people to live in New Zealand. Even today, many New Zealanders still press their foreheads when they meet.
Kissing is sometimes used as a way to greet someone. In some countries，important people used to wear special rings. It was the custom for visitors to Kiss these rings when they came for a meeting. In France, when people meet, they sometimes kiss each other on the face.
In Japan, people bow to each other every time they meet. Even family members bow to each other. How low to bow depends on how respected the other person is.
Today, new ways of greeting are created all the time. People can do this with a quick "hi" "a handshake, or even a simple smile. The important thing is that the people they are greeting understand them.
