So the other day I waved to a friend of mine and began wondering why it's a gesture for "Hello" or "Goodbye". Not because it's easier to do from afar or people respond faster, the historical reason behind it.
For example, people once shook hands to show they weren't holding holding weapons and could be trusted, and the general idea continued over to today.
So, let's discuss the various reasons behind gestures like this, and what they mean specifically in your country or setting.
Where I live in Australia, we're a very laid-back and friendly people. We wave when we can't be bothered saying anything or when the other person is too far away. Shaking hands is a little more complicated, but not by much. It's usually used as a sign of maturity if the person seems young, or just a general greeting if they're obviously older. It's most often used as a greeting in a casual or business setting, but a hug is the norm if a man and woman or woman and woman are friends.
As for Australian specific gestures, we don't have all that many that we use often. We have the iconic "G'day mate", which is used at any time of day in a casual setting or, depending on the subject of business, that setting too. "G'day" Once meant "Good day" Which is an old english greeting meant to offer good fortune for the day ahead. "Mate" can be used to mean "Friend" or just another person instead of saying their title, such as "Miss", "Mister" or something similar.
We also use "See ya" as a form of "Goodbye" in a casual setting. It essentially means "I'll see you later".
Kissing in Australia is very simple. People in a relationship kiss, as do family members regardless of their immediacy.