Oh.
I did not know that.
- live & learn -
My high school social studies teacher described having served in the Peace Corp.
As I understood his explanation, the natives performed paperless hygiene with their right hand, and thus the local custom of greeting one another with a shake of the left hand.
I was a teen when he told me that. I'm in my 70's now, still don't know what to make of it.
I suppose it depends on where specifically, but the general rule I have always been told is the opposite.
{...
Right hand
Traditionally, the
right hand is considered clean in many cultures, especially in Western societies, where it is used for eating and other socially acceptable activities. In contrast, the
left hand is often viewed as unclean in some cultures, particularly in India, where it is used for cleaning bodily excrements and other unsanitary tasks. This distinction highlights the cultural significance of handwashing and cleanliness in different societies.
...}
To check the Mideast, I asked the AI about Islam:
{...
Right hand
Which hand is traditionally clean in Islam
In Islam, the
right hand is traditionally considered clean and is used for actions deemed clean and honorable, such as eating, greeting, and giving or receiving items. This practice is rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and is followed by many Muslims today. The
left hand is traditionally used for personal hygiene tasks, such as cleaning oneself after using the toilet, and is not associated with clean tasks. In social settings, offering or accepting items with the left hand might be considered disrespectful. Therefore, using the right hand is a way to show respect and politeness in interactions.
...}
R5 #2,648
