[thaumasiotes]

> We'd find sharing tissues with strangers to be disgusting if it were introduced as a greeting today

Sounds like you're unfamiliar with the practice of agreeing to a deal by both parties spitting into their hand and then clasping hands?

There's also the idea of making a pledge by both parties cutting their hands and then clasping hands, mixing blood with each other.

[TheSpiceIsLife]

When was the last time you saw anyone do either of those things, other than in a movie?

[thaumasiotes]

I've never seen anyone bow in greeting outside a movie either. (Assuming we're considering books to be "movies".)