Monday Notes: Living in Costa Rica Reminded Me to Greet People

“¿Donde están las velas?” I asked, eyes darting back and forth. The grocery store employee paused long enough for me to look at him. Then, he peered down at me, cocked his head, and said a simple, “Hola.” “Oh my gosh. Lo siento, señor. Hola. Buena. Las velas, por favor.” He smiled and proceeded to walk me toward the aisle where the candles were. And that is the moment I began thinking about greetings, who uses them, and when. My friend who is a student priest in Ifá tradition taught me about the importance of speaking when one enters a space. In African spirituality, there are different greetings depending on one’s age and status. For example, elders receive extra words and syllables and much pomp and circumstance. One time, we met for dinner, and the same friend, newly initiated, bowed on the sidewalk to say hello. Even in text, his greeting is elaborate. However, when elders greet people lower in status, there are fewer words and no exaggerated bows. Still, everyone’s presence is…