Religious etiquette

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