Where Is Spitting Considered Polite?

Among the Masai tribesmen of East Central Africa, spitting is considered an act of respect and friendship.

A newborn Masai child is spit upon by friends and relatives wishing to give the child good luck.

Masai tribesmen spit at each other when they meet, just as we say “Hello,” and spit again to say “Good-bye.”

When two Masai make a trade in business, they spit at each other to seal the bargain.

And their mothers don’t tell them not to!