Greetings
Greetings are an essential part of Iranian culture and should be taken seriously. It’s important to be aware of the local customs for greeting someone. Depending on the situation, it could be verbal or physical, and the formality of the greeting can vary from person to person.
In this section, we’ll discuss what kind of greetings you should use in different situations in Iran and how you can best show respect and courtesy:
Handshakes
In Iran, the primary mode of greeting someone is through a handshake which is considered a goodwill gesture. Handshakes are exchanged between the same sex with a handshake and a kiss on one or both cheeks; between opposite sexes, it’s just the handshake. Depending on the occasion and relationship, they may even hug or link their arm.
Handshakes generally occupy both hands as men and women clasp each other’s right hand with both of their hands in an expression of warmth and friendship. When shaking hands, people interlock their fingers and turn their hands slightly clockwise before shaking up and down twice. Extending your right arm for the handshake is appreciated, as it signifies trust. After that, you can gesture to show humility by placing your left-hand palm upward below the other person’s elbow when you meet them again at another time or day.
In Iran, there isn’t necessarily any set guideline for greeting someone who appears to be older than you; rather, it depends heavily upon how comfortable you feel in social situations and how well you know the person you are making physical contact with. It is also important to take into account other cultural norms, such as:
- If a woman should offer her hand first (she should!) when shaking a man’s hand in Iran, this shows respect towards him that he may appreciate more than he would another local greeting custom such as kissing on the cheeks instead of shaking hands (it depends!).
Salutations
Greetings among Iranians are quite formal, and people are very conscious of showing proper respect when addressing each other. For example, in a formal setting, the greeting “salam” is used, along with a slight bow of the head. Handshakes are common among men and have become increasingly common among men and women. Eye contact is essential and considered respectful; however, prolonged eye contact may be seen as uncomfortable or flirtatious, depending on the context.
In more informal contexts, familiar greetings such as “Salaam aleikum” ( peace be upon you) and “Khodahafez” (may God protect you) are used when meeting someone for the first time. You might also encounter playful banter between friends or family members, which often involves jokes about nationality – those from northern Iran may tease their southern counterparts about being ‘backward’ and vice versa for those from southern Iran. These jokes should not be taken seriously; they are a way to express affection between peers.
Dress
When traveling to Iran, it is important to know the expected traditional dress code. Women must cover their hair, neck, and arms with a long scarf called a hijab and should also avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. Men should dress modestly, eschewing shorts or short-sleeved shirts.
It is best to dress conservatively and respectfully when touring Iran, avoiding bright colors or flashy clothing.
Men
Iranian culture is quite conservative regarding clothing, and these guidelines apply equally to men and women. Generally, men should wear trousers or jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, and a coat or sweater. Most people dress in subdued colors rather than bright and flashy hues. In most cities, shorts are discouraged, especially for more formal occasions.
When attending more formal events such as weddings or religious festivals, men should wear suits with ties or other traditional dress forms. It could be anything from an embroidered tunic to a flowing black robe known as an abayeh. It’s also important to remember that suits should cover the arms down to the wrist, and trousers should reach just above the ankle bones, so hands and feet are fully covered. Traditional soft leather shoes are usually preferred over sneakers or sandals in these settings.
Women
Women are expected to dress modestly in Iran, covering their arms and legs. This tradition has been in place since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. In general, clothing should be loose-fitting and not form-fitting so as not to be suggestive or reveal a woman’s body shape. A hijab, or headscarf, should be worn to cover the head and neck while out in public and is a symbol of modesty and purity among many Muslim women. Scarves and shawls can also cover the upper body if desired. A manteau is another item often worn by Iranian women; it is similar to an abaya but much less restrictive in style. Pants and leggings should extend at least below the calf for proper coverage. Do not wear shorts or skirts above the knee when visiting Iran, as this is highly inappropriate; men are not allowed to wear shorts either!
Bright colors are becoming increasingly popular within Iran’s youth culture. Still, older generations tend to lean towards more traditional colors such as navy, black and brown for formal gatherings or national holidays. Women may also choose from a variety of loose-fitting caftans/tunics as part of their wardrobe; these may come in any number of colors or patterns, making them perfect for more casual events such as dinner with friends or weekend shopping trips.
Eating Habits
Eating habits in Iran are different than those of other countries. Iranian people generally serve a large variety of dishes and emphasize hospitality. Food is usually shared within the family and with guests. People typically use their right hand when eating, and if there is a spoon, it should only be used to scoop food and not to eat from it.
Table manners follow standard Islamic rules such as not talking with food in your mouth and not eating with your left hand.
Table Manners
When eating out in Iran, do not be surprised if there is no tablecloth or napkins. Instead, Iranians enjoy their food on a bare table, often served family-style on large platters. A traditional Iranian meal involves a variety of bread, plenty of vegetables, and meat dishes such as lamb or beef stew. A specific type of bread (barbari) is enjoyed with almost every meal, along with feta cheese and yogurt.
Regarding dining etiquette in Iran, there are a few customs you should be aware of. Before beginning your meal, you should wash your hands thoroughly; water is often provided at the dinner table. Additionally, meals begin upon the arrival of the oldest person present, and each person should participate in an informal blessing before starting to eat or drink anything.
Table manners should also be observed to show courtesy when being hosted by Iranian families or restaurants – this includes not speaking too loudly and maintaining calm composure throughout the meal. Table utensils are placed without interfering with each other’s space. It is encouraged to taste all dishes presented by politely refusing multiple times before accepting any food item offered. It is also considered polite to leave a bit of food on each plate when finished; taking all items on one’s plate implies that more could have been offered but was not appreciated enough by the eater! Finally, assistance cleaning up after dinner is kindly appreciated by hosts who will likely provide an appropriate service such as tea or coffee afterward as a complimentary gesture.
Restaurant Etiquette
When you are dining out in Iran, there is some critical etiquette that you should follow to ensure a pleasant experience. First, try to arrive on time and wait to be seated. The meal host will require those present to sit around a table and eat while seated. Once everyone is settled, you can order your food from the menu or leave it to your host or waiter. You should expect the waiter or other staff members to provide helpful tips for selecting sides, desserts, and beverages as part of their service.
When eating at restaurants in Iran, it is customary for meals to begin with a soup dish, such as ash-e reshteh (a Persian bean and noodle soup), before moving on to other main courses. The main dishes served in restaurants usually include kabobs such as chicken, lamb, or beef mixed with herbs and spices served with white Basmati rice, chelow, and oven-roasted fish such as mahi shevedeh (seared salmon), or stews called khoresht such as gheymeh (split pea stew). Tables are typically set with several plates of accompaniments such as pickles, yogurt sauce, onions, and flatbreads, specifically sangak and barbari bread.
To show respect while dining out, you should ask friends before taking food from the shared dishes on the table. Before serving yourself, be sure that others have already helped themselves first; but generally, do not worry about being too polite since this process is part of Iranian culture!
Finally, at the end of the meal, it’s common for waiters or staff members to offer guests fruit juice or tea as part of their courtesy. Traditionally we say ‘no thank you‘ because it’s a sign of politeness – leaving them with honor rather than taking advantage of their hospitality!
Communication
Communication in Iran is a mix of verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication includes the use of formal language, politeness, and respect. Non-verbal communication involves gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
It is essential to understand these customs when communicating with people from Iran to be respectful and ensure your message is received.
Non-Verbal Communication
Understanding non-verbal communication is essential to successful interactions in any culture. In Iran, certain behaviors can be seen as polite or respectful, while others can be seen as rude or offensive. As a visitor to the country, it’s important to be aware of the cultural norms to maintain respect and ensure positive interactions.
The following behaviors are generally accepted in Iran:
- Maintaining eye contact during conversation is important; averting your gaze may imply that you are not listening or lack interest.
- Nodding your head can indicate agreement when conversing with someone; the up and down movement reinforces agreement, while side-to-side movements show disagreement.
- Physical contacts, such as hugs and handshakes, are acceptable when greeting people, although men will generally not shake hands with women they do not know.
- It is polite to include well wishes when saying goodbye, such as “peace be with you” or “may God’s mercy and blessings follow you.”
- Using too much physical distance can show disrespect, especially with family or close friends – a safe way is to gauge your behavior on what the person initiating contact does first.
On the other hand, the following behaviors should be avoided in Iran:
- Pointing – gesturing at things or people with an index finger is considered rude – try using a flat palm instead.
- Speaking too loudly – conversations should remain calm and moderate in tone and volume.
- Being overly friendly – meeting people for the first time requires more reserve than in some countries.
- This gesture implies superiority over another person, which might offend some individuals – touching someone on the head.
Respectful Language
Understanding cultural differences in communication requires an appreciation that verbal and non-verbal language can be interpreted differently in various societies. Remember, it is wise to respect Iranian culture using mindful language when talking to locals.
The selection of words used when communicating with people from Iran should reflect courtesy and respect for the culture’s traditional values. Poland has its unique set of terms and concepts that foreigners may not be familiar with. For example, expressing anger or criticism toward a particular religion could be seen as offensive and cause significant discomfort.
In addition, certain words have long been associated with negative connotations that Iranians could potentially misinterpret. Therefore, a more diplomatic approach is recommended when conversing with locals. Greetings usually take a formal tone, and visitors should pay attention to their choice of words when discussing local customs or politics.
Furthermore, those talking to people in English should try their best to speak clearly and use simple terms that coincide with Persian language standards rather than slang words or embedded puns. Since politeness is highly valued within Iran’s culture, it is essential to maintain respectful language while communicating exchanges with locals while avoiding topics deemed controversial, such as religion or personal opinions on social issues, among many other topics, at all costs!
Socializing
Socializing in Iran can be pretty daunting for foreigners, as Iranian social customs and etiquette can differ from what you’re used to. However, learning the local customs can be a great way to make friends and get to know the culture better.
In this section, we’ll explore some of the main customs and etiquette when it comes to socializing in Iran:
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is a significant part of Iranian culture, and it is essential to be prepared when visiting friends, family, or colleagues. Bringing gifts such as flowers, candy, pastries, or nuts is customary when invited for dinner. Quality or quantity should not necessarily be measured by price; tradition states that thought and effort will matter more than an expensive gift. In some circumstances, such as weddings and funerals, guests who cannot physically attend the event will congratulate the hosts by offering gifts at their homes.
Gifts are usually opened right away in front of the donors. When accepting gifts, it is customary in Iran to say “Mamnoon” (Thank you). These acts reflect the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation, demonstrating courtesy through protocols of exchanging presents between hosts and guests in Iran’s traditional customs.
Invitations
When invited to someone’s home for dinner, you are expected to bring a gift. Typical gifts include fruit, sweets, or something else of appropriate value. However, if the invitation is for tea time only, a gift need not be given.
If inviting someone to your home, always call ahead and ensure your guest is free and able to attend before sending an invitation via text message or telephone. Be mindful that when offered hospitality in Iran, it should never be refused even if you cannot make the occasion – doing so would be considered rude.
When attending a gathering at someone’s home in Iran, it is generally appropriate to arrive on the dot of the time specified; coming either earlier or later than scheduled may offend as it could disrupt any preparation that had been done for the gathering itself. In more formal events, such as official ceremonial occasions and graduations/promotions at school/workplace, after-parties tend to be very structured with pre-arranged seating plans – following these instructions will be greatly appreciated by all present.