The most common way to show agreement and say yes in Bulgaria is to shake your head from side to side, a gesture that in many countries means no. And its not just Bulgaria! Greece, Iran, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt all follow the same method.

Do they nod for no in Bulgaria?

To indicate refusal There are several exceptions: in Greece, Cyprus, Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Albania, and Sicily a single nod of the head up (not down) indicates a no. Some cultures also swap the meanings between nodding and head shaking.

What does a nod mean in Bulgaria?

Then I remember: A shake of the head by a Bulgarian means yes, and a nod for yes actually means no.

Does nodding mean no?

In the US, we think its universally known that shaking your head from side to side clearly means “No,” while nodding the head up and down means “Yes.” The same goes for China, Canada, Mexico, and most parts of Western Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Why do we nod for yes and shake for no?

We generally nod in approval when we hear something we like, and shake in disapproval when we dont like whatever were seeing or hearing. That becomes ingrained in the subconscious. Nodding means yes, shaking means no.

Why do Indians shake their heads?

In India, a head bobble can have a variety of different meanings. Most frequently it means yes, or is used to indicate understanding. An unenthusiastic head bobble can be a polite way of declining something without saying no directly. The gesture is common throughout India.

Does shaking your head mean yes in Bulgarian?

In Bulgaria nodding your head means no The most common way to show agreement and say yes in Bulgaria is to shake your head from side to side, a gesture that in many countries means no.

Why do Bulgarians nod for no?

One of the theories why Bulgarians have turned their genetic gestures upside down is connected with the five centuries of Ottoman rule. So, according to the legend, Bulgarians agreed to swap the two signs and when they were asked if they wanted to become Muslim, they nodded while actually meaning no in their hearts.

How do Bulgarians greet each other?

Greetings consist of a firm handshake, direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day. Address people with their titles (if you know them) or with Mr Gospodin / Mrs Gospozha followed by the surname. Only friends and family address each other with first names and possibly a hug or kiss.

In which country does nodding your head mean no?

Bulgaria In Bulgaria nodding your head means no.

Why do Bulgarians shake their heads to say yes?

When Ottoman forces would capture Orthodox Bulgarians and try to compel them to renounce their religious beliefs by holding swords to their throats, the Bulgarians would shake their heads up and down against the sword blades, killing themselves.

Why do Indians wobble their heads?

In India, a head bobble can have a variety of different meanings. Most frequently it means yes, or is used to indicate understanding. An unenthusiastic head bobble can be a polite way of declining something without saying no directly. The gesture is common throughout India.

Is nodding your head rude?

You have been warned! Though this signal means “okay” in the US, it is considered a rude gesture in other countries, and may get you into trouble. Photo by quinet. A typical Westerner will nod his or her head up and down in agreement.

In which country does nodding your head up and down mean no?

Bulgarian Head Nod The head nod up and down means “no”, and the head nod from side to side means “yes”. This gets pretty bizarre sometimes when the other person cant speak English very well and explain.

Why do Indians have a dot?

Across the country, its not uncommon to see women sporting a small dot on their foreheads between their eyebrows. The mark is known as a bindi. And its a Hindu tradition that dates to the third and fourth centuries. The bindi is traditionally worn by women for religious purposes or to indicate that theyre married.

Do they use toilet paper in India?

Do they use toilet paper in India? Toilet paper is not standard use in India. Rather, squat toilets are the standard type of toilet and it is expected that you will clean yourself afterward using water from a hand bidet sprayer, butterfly jet, hand shower or even a bucket of water.