Greetings
Greetings are an essential part of Jordanian culture and daily interactions. When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is the usual form of greeting. Men and women may also hug and kiss on both cheeks, primarily if the person is known to the other. You are expected to address people politely using terms like ‘sir’ and ‘madam.’ Respect is a crucial part of Jordanian culture and should be shown in your behavior and actions.
Handshakes
Handshakes are very important in Jordanian culture and generally accompany introductions. In some traditional households, men may not shake hands with women and try to avoid physical contact until the woman extends her hand first. During prayer time, it is considered offensive for non-Muslims to shake hands with Muslims. In mixed-gender conversations, it is thoughtful to wait for the lead from other participants before shaking hands.
When introducing yourself, you should use formal language when acknowledging someone (even close friends or family). Also, ensure your handshake is firm while maintaining eye contact throughout the process. Some gestures, such as hands-on hips or patting a person on the shoulder, can be viewed as disrespectful and should be avoided if possible. Western expectations of casual handshakes upon meet-and-greet are sometimes seen as overly familiar in Jordan and best left alone if you’re not sure of the etiquette involved.
Traditional Greetings
Greetings in Jordan are taken very seriously and are essential to social interaction. Since Jordanian society is quite family-oriented, names and relationships between all people should be known when meeting, as this symbolizes respect. Different types of greetings are given to the same or opposite sexes depending on the situation.
When greeting someone, shaking hands and using appropriate words to show respect is essential. Commonly used expressions include “Marhaba” (Hello), which is given when familiar with someone; “Ahlan wa Sahlan” (Welcome), which is given to somebody beloved or who often comes to the house; and “Assalam Alaykum” (Peace be upon you), which is shown when greeting other Muslims. All these expressions demonstrate hospitality and acceptance among Jordan and should be used with utmost care upon entering somebody’s home or gathering.
In addition, kissing older family members on both cheeks while shaking their hands is fairly common in certain parts of Jordan—most predominantly among women— although fewer and fewer people nowadays practice this custom when greeting each other. Furthermore, hugs and kisses may also be appropriate if there’s a close relationship between individuals on special occasions such as weddings or funerals, regardless of the cultural background.
Dress Code
Jordan has a moderate dress code, and it is wise to dress conservatively. For both men and women, modesty is critical in public, covering shoulders and knees and avoiding tight or revealing clothing. Generally, jeans are acceptable but should be paired with a long-sleeved shirt and a scarf for women.
Visitors to religious sites and mosques are expected to wear more conservative clothing, and dark colors are recommended.
Men
When traveling in Jordan, it is essential to understand those cultural customs and etiquette, which will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for yourself and those around you.
Jordanian men usually wear long pants, usually either khaki, jeans, or dress pants. During warm months, lightweight sports coats or blazers may be worn but are not necessary during summer. Shirts can range from short-sleeved T-shirts to collared shirts. Sleeveless T-shirts and tank tops should be avoided as these can be considered offensive and disrespectful in some social situations.
Jordanian men are generally considered formal dressers, so leaving extra room in the luggage for sport coats is recommended for both business travelers and leisure travelers alike, even during warm periods as events such as weddings or funerals may require more formal attire as suits or dinner jackets. It is also advised to bring a scarf or tie with you just in case it may be needed for those occasions. When entering religious sites, it is best to wear long-sleeved shirts (at least reaching the elbows) with long slacks and closed shoes; shorts are not allowed in religious places of worship.
Women
When visiting Jordan, it is important to know the country’s cultural customs and etiquette. It is especially true when it comes to dress codes. Jordan visitors must generally wear a moderate Muslim country, so modest clothing at all times. Women should note that this includes covering the shoulders and lower legs.
Traditional Middle Eastern attire such as abayas and hijabs are often the most accepted attire for women in Jordan. However, foreign visitors should also remember that Jordanian people are increasingly influenced by western culture, so modest streetwear such as jeans or mid-length skirts accompanied by a long-sleeved shirt or blouse will typically not draw unwanted attention.
Eating Habits
Eating habits in Jordan differ significantly from what is common in many western countries due to the influence of their Islamic background. For example, pork and alcohol are forbidden, and all food must be halal. Additionally, food is often served family-style, with several dishes and people sharing the same meal. Sometimes, people eat with their hands, using utensils as needed.
Generally speaking, meals consist of multiple courses and include items such as:
- Rice
- Meat
- Vegetables
Table Manners
Etiquette dictates that all diners use the appropriate utensils from left to right while eating out. Eating with hands is socially acceptable only for certain dishes such as falafel or other snack foods. Restaurants provide not just one fork, spoon, and knife but several. The type of utensil depends on the purpose, so it is important to find out what each one is for before diving into a dish.
At home, guests are served food and then wait for their hosts to start eating once everyone’s plate has been served. It is also customary to leave some food on the plate when finished eating as it conveys that more than enough food is provided. Similarly, guests and family members should wait until the head of the household completes eating before they can leave the table, and practitioners of Islam stand up to offer thanks after a meal in remembrance of God’s blessings upon them.
Food Customs
Dining etiquette in Jordan reflects the importance of hospitality and relations. There are many customs and courtesies to remember when dining in Jordan, including meal structure, eating styles, and table manners.
Meal Structure: Meals typically consist of fares such as steak, fish, chicken, and skewered meat served with accompaniments such as rice, roasted vegetables, and salads. Appetizers consist primarily of bread like pita served with hummus (chickpeas mashed into a paste) or falafel balls made from ground chickpeas. Desserts usually comprise baklava or qatayef (like pancakes filled with cheese or nuts).
Eating Style: Food is either served family style or individually plated. If served family style, diners will serve from larger dishes placed on the table where others can also participate. It is polite to take a portion for the others at the table before helping oneself. People tend to eat with utensils outside of the home, where spoons are used for soup, and fork-and-knife combinations are used for other dishes.
Table Manners: Tables are typically informal but neat settings compared to Western tables that may be filled with more decorations or placements. When seating guests at the dining table, consider gender – men and women may often be seated separately if they don’t know each other, while couples generally sit beside each other. When invited over to someone’s house, remove shoes before entering their home (especially if the floor is carpeted). When eating, it is essential not to talk with a full mouth; keep elbows off the table during meals; break bread into small pieces instead of cutting it; say grace before starting; and leave some food on your plate at the end of a meal as this conveys gratitude for generous portions given by your host – finishing everything indicates one has gone hungry!
Social Interaction
Interaction with Jordanians should generally follow the tenets of conservative Islamic culture. As a greeting, the handshake is the accepted form, but it is polite to wait for the Jordanian to extend their hand first. Preserving one’s respect for elders and authority figures is of the utmost importance in social interactions. Jordanians are very leader-oriented, so recognizing the stature and status of those involved in any exchange is vital.
Conversation Topics
Greeting people with a hug is common in Jordan, although it depends on the level of familiarity. When meeting someone for the first time, handshakes and Namaste greetings are more appropriate.
Topics to avoid in conversations include politics, criticizing monarchs or religious leaders, and Arab-Israeli relations.
It is considered impolite to discuss money or ask too many personal questions at social gatherings; however, some topics deemed intriguing include Jordanian culture, ancient archeological sites, sports, food, and Islam. Conversations should always be polite and light-hearted, with no raised voices. Speak modestly and often punctuate your conversations with phrases such as ‘God willing.‘
Gift Giving
Gift exchanges are an essential part of Jordanian cultural customs and etiquette. It is customary to bring a gift when invited to someone’s home for dinner, for special occasions such as holidays or birthdays. When choosing a gift, it is important to keep regional or religion-based preferences in mind.
The most popular gifts to give in Jordan revolve around traditional elements of the country itself. Popular gifts include:
- Damascus steel crafts.
- Decorative ceramic pots are known as mughrabiyeh.
- Crafted goat-hair carpets known as karameh rugs.
Other popular options include books about Middle Eastern culture, paintings depicting scenes of the Jordan valley, and any items showcasing local weaving traditions.
Jordanian gifts should always be wrapped neatly and with elegant wrapping paper or ribbon, befitting the occasion; they never arrive empty-handed! Handing over your gift with two hands is preferred to show proper respect for both the giver and receiver of the gift. Additionally, it is customary for both men and women to exchange kisses on either cheek when approached by a relative or close friend; however, this depends on individual preference, so be sure not to make assumptions about hugging or kissing someone you don’t know very well!
Finally, if you are ever presented with a gift, remember that it is polite to open it upon receiving it to show appreciation – though you may not want to use it immediately if other guests are present!
Religion
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, with a population of 94% Sunni Muslims. The main branch is Hanbali, with the second major branch being Shafi’i. Islam plays a crucial role in the Jordanian culture and is deeply embedded in all aspects of life, influencing the daily etiquette and customs within the country. Therefore, respecting local customs and understanding the Islamic faith is essential.
Islam
Islam is the major religion in Jordan, and almost 97 percent of Jordanian citizens are adherents of Sunni Islam, with around 1 percent Shia Muslims. Christianity is also practiced by some Jordanians and is mainly centered in urban areas, particularly the eastern part of Amman. The number of Christians was estimated to be 3-4 percent, with Middle Eastern Christians providing the most adherents. However, according to the Constitution, religion can not influence or form any part of Jordan’s law governing social issues.
Within Jordan, Islamic influences can be seen through its architecture, festivals, and cuisine due to mosques throughout the country and the large number of adherents celebrating special occasions related to their faith. A few mosques include Al Husein Bin Ali Mosque, located just outside Amman. In addition, Amman’s King Abdullah I Mosque is located in downtown Amman, Omar BinAl Khattab Mosque is in western Amman, and Ma’en bin Jabal Mosque is located southwest of Amman; all four beautiful examples represent religious establishments from a range of locations around Jordan. Furthermore, festivals such as Eid constitute three major Islamic feasts celebrated over three days marking significant moments such as the breaking of the fast during Ramadan or the Hajj pilgrimage’s end.
Growing up within an Islamic culture affords individuals an understanding of its customs and etiquette through observation rather than explanation. It is why Muslims may have specific requirements when interacting with other people that non-Muslims may not recognize or respect. Regardless, this cultural culture yields delighting meals featuring flavors packed with fragrant goodies like grilled meats, spicy dips, various flatbreads, and several fresh vegetables, which, once consumed, draw upon feelings fostering an appreciation for Jordanian religious custom that prevails inclusive permeating a sentiment validating national identity within which religious observance proudly takes it place.
Christianity
Christianity is the most widely-practiced religion in Jordan, with around 6 million followers (97%), representing most of the Middle Eastern population. The other major religions practiced are Islam and Judaism.
The majority of Jordanian Christians (approximately 88%) are Greek Orthodox, whose patriarchate is located in Jerusalem and dates back to A.D. 33. The religious authorities of the Greek Orthodox Church are usually referred to as the Holy Synod, and they are based out of Amman, Jordan’s capital city.
In addition to the Greek Orthodox Church, Jordan also has a significant minority of Catholics belonging to various rite groups such as:
- Melkites and Maronites from Syria;
- Latin, Coptic, and Armenian Rite from Egypt;
- Coptic Rite from Ethiopia;
- Chaldean Catholic, Assyrian Catholic, and Syro-Malabar Rites from Iraq;
- Uniate Greek Catholics (Byzantine Rite) from Romania;
- Malankara Syriac Orthodox or “Indian-Orthodox” Rite from India;
- Armenian Catholicism from Armenia, Syria, Iran & Lebanon;
- Anglican Communion members (Episcopalian & Methodist);
- American Presbyterians;
- American Methodists and a small number of Baptists, among others, had their churches in Amman or smaller towns throughout the country.