19 - Miel- Greetings - Friday, 28 February 2003

 No. 19 
Miel- Greetings 
Friday, 28 February 2003 

Dear Amare-Amuri, 

In Luo culture, greetings for elders are marked by a deep respect and formality. Some common respectful greetings include: 

  

1. "Amosi" or "Nyaosi": These are traditional greetings, with "Amosi" being a general greeting and "Nyaosi" used for elders, often accompanied by a slight bow or a respectful nod. 

  

2. "Wuonwa": This means "our elder" or "our father" and is used to show deep respect and acknowledge the elder's status in the community. 

  

3. "Ruoth": This term means "chief" or "king" and is used to show utmost respect, particularly for elders who hold a position of authority or high status. 

  

These greetings are rooted in the Luo's cultural values of respect for age and wisdom. Elders are seen as custodians of knowledge, tradition, and history, and showing respect through proper greetings is a way to honor their role in society. The act of greeting elders first also emphasizes the value placed on hierarchy and the acknowledgment of one's place within the social structure. 

All my love, 
Mama