Mittekäänuvad

Mittekäänuvad is a term of Estonian origin that roughly translates to "no handshakes." It refers to a cultural practice of avoiding physical greetings, particularly handshakes, in certain social contexts. This practice gained more prominence in Estonia and other Baltic countries during the COVID-19 pandemic as a measure to prevent the spread of the virus.

Historically, handshakes have been a common gesture of greeting and salutation worldwide. However, concerns about hygiene and the transmission of infectious diseases led many to reconsider this practice. Mittekäänuvad emerged as a polite and socially acceptable alternative. Instead of shaking hands, individuals might opt for nods, smiles, or verbal greetings.

The adoption of mittekkäänuvad was not solely a reaction to the pandemic. Some individuals may have already been inclined to avoid handshakes due to personal preferences, cultural norms from other regions, or a general predisposition towards minimizing physical contact. The pandemic provided a strong justification and widespread acceptance for this behavior.

While the necessity of avoiding handshakes may lessen as pandemic-related restrictions ease, the practice has left a lasting impression. For some, it has become a habit, and the concept of mittekkäänuvad may continue to influence social interactions, representing a shift towards more distanced forms of greeting in certain situations. The term itself encapsulates the idea of choosing an alternative to the traditional handshake.