tervitust

Tervitust refers to the concept of greetings in Estonian culture. In Estonia, greetings serve as important social rituals that reflect the country's history and values. Traditional Estonian greetings often involve direct eye contact, a firm handshake, and a verbal greeting. The most common greeting is "Tere," which means "hello" or "greetings" in Estonian.

Estonians value personal space and tend to be reserved in public settings, making formal greetings more common in initial interactions. Business greetings typically follow a more formal structure, with titles and last names used until familiarity is established. In rural areas, traditional greetings might include inquiries about family or well-being, reflecting the importance of community ties in Estonian society.

Seasonal greetings also play a significant role in Estonian culture, with specific phrases used for different times of year and holidays. The Estonian language has rich expressions for various greeting contexts, from casual encounters to formal ceremonies. Understanding these greeting customs is essential for appreciating Estonian social etiquette and cultural norms.