Don’t do that in Mexico

You’re sitting in a restaurant in Mexico with your Mexican friends. You’re shocked when one of your friends puckers up and starts kissing the air. What’s going on?

Then it’s time for you to shock your Mexican friends. Seeing your buddy coming in, you motion to him using your index finger to come on over. Your friends look slightly uncomfortable – why?

I went to the library and picked up this interesting little book about gestures – not only Mexican gestures, but gestures in many countries around the world. It’s pretty interesting to read about which gestures are common in certain parts of the world, and which ones are rare. It even talks about handshakes, which are firm in some places and gentle in others (apparently Texans win the prize for the most bone-crushing grip). In Canada it’s firm, with eye contact, but sometimes a nod replaces the handshake between men and women. In many countries, eye contact is avoided. In Canada, gestures are more reserved, and there is little casual touching.

In Mexico, casual touching is much more common, handshakes are softer, and friends will usually hug.

Taboos in Mexico? Men shouldn’t stand with hands in their pockets. To describe the height of an animal, hold out your arm palm down fingers out. For a human, however, use a raised index finger. And never, never, ever, tap dum-dum-dee-dum-dum– –dum-dum (shave and a haircut) on someone’s door. Don’t ask, just don’t do it.

I won’t give it all away – go get the book. Another interesting book with practical cultural info for Latin America is Latin American Customs & Manners. It’s especially written for a business traveller, but still includes helpful snippets for us all.

Universal gestures? Probably the most universal is the smile. Sure, there are fake smiles and there are nervous smiles, but a warm friendly smile is understood anywhere.

Recently I was talking to someone on their way to Mexico. They were nervous about offending someone without meaning to. Of course it’s wise to learn as much as you can and to try not to offend. But in the end, relax. As I said then, when people see your love and friendliness, that will overcome a multitude of sins. Just be careful – make sure it’s not a multitude plus one. 🙂

And about the situations above? Well, you did something most of the world probably wouldn’t. Generally, to call someone over you put out your hand, palm down, and make a scratching motion with your fingers. And what were your Mexican friends doing? Calling a waiter, of course. Still, if you try it people might think you’re a little rude – better to just raise your hand while in Mexico to get your third glass of Coke.