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Greetings/conventions for major non-Christian religions
Hindu:
Greeting: Namaste (I bow to the God in you)
No kissing/handshakes with opposite sex
Major observation: Deepavali (Festival of Lights)
- Appropriate greeting: Happy Deepavali and a prosperous New Year
- Brownie points if other non Hindu workers (esp the Boss) buy traditional sweets at a dealer and share them around the office with quiet personal greetings
- Employers: a day’s leave would be much appreciated
Upcoming Hindu holidays
Jewish:
Greeting: Shalom (Peace)
- The Jewish Sabbath is from sunset Friday to nightfall Saturday
Major observation: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
- Appropriate greeting: ‘Shana Tova’ (Hebrew for “For a Good Year”)
Major observation: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement – so ‘Happy Yom Kippur” not appropriate!)
- Appropriate greeting: Tzom Kal (Easy Fast) or G’mar Hatimah Tovah (May You be Sealed for a Good Year)
Upcoming Jewish holidays
Muslim:
Greeting: No shaking hands with opposite sex
Major Observation: Ramadan (Annual fasting month ending in Eid al-Fitr)
- Appropriate greetings:
- ‘Kul’a, wa enta bi-khair!’ (Arabic for “May every year find you in good health”)
- ‘Eid Mubarak’ (Blessed Eid) or ‘Eid Saheed’ (Happy Eid)
Upcoming Muslim holidays
Chinese:
Major Observation: Chinese New Year
“New Year Happiness” or “Pass the New Year Well”
Upcoming Christian holidays
