The usual greeting phrase is Light shine upon you, friend. Despite the phrase’s religious character it is just as common in secular circles. Refusal to use it marks one as an ideologue even among the religiously indifferent.

In the most common greeting gesture across yinrih cultures, The greeter rears up on his hind feet and pats himself on the belly twice with the left forepaw. Many humans assume this is an invitation for tummy rubs. Acting on this assumption is a quick way to get slapped with an assault charge.

In reality, the gesture indicates trust by exposing the vulnerable underbelly to the person being greeted, trusting they won’t take advantage of their weakness.

All Yinrih cultures have very strict proxemics, and interpret human petting as a gross violation of their personal space. Since Wayfarers (followers of the Bright Way) are very eager to befriend humans, they will accept or even offer a human-style handshake, but not without a certain amount of cringing at first.

Yinrih, for their part, hear that a “firm” handshake is considered a good greeting gesture. Unfortunate human recipients of yinrih handshakes get to learn how sharp yinrih claws are.