Bowing

A bow can be defined by the act of lowing ones torso as a social gesture, this gesture is present in the three kingdoms but with noticeable variations and implications.

Sun Kingdom
A bow within the Sun Kingdom consists of the bower placing both arms behind their back before closing their eyes and angling their body forward slowly. The bower requires the permission of the reviver to stand upright again and finish the gesture.

These gestures are often exchanged to those of higher social status of the bower, or to military superiors.

Meaning
In doing this gesture the bower is actively ensuring they are unable to attack and consequently vulnerable to the receiver of the bow, as such the gesture is seen as both a gesture of respect and trust.

Attacking someone while bowing or not giving the bower permission to stand back up is seen as the height of rudeness. Similarly the lower the angle of the bow will indicate the level of respect given to the receiver, within reason. Should the bower lower themselves too close to the ground this will be seen as taunting the receiver into attacking.

Earth Kingdom
A bow within the Earth Kingdom simply consists of the bower fixing both arms to the side of their body before angling their body forward. This gesture is exchanged as a form of greeting, usually to those with higher social status than the bower.

Meaning
When bowing, the fixing of the arms to the bowers side acts as a gesture that they are dedicating their attention solely on the receiver as they are unable to do anything during the gesture. While it is more respectful to bow at an increased angle, the increased business however has led to shallower but multiple bows being the norm.

Moon Kingdom
A bow within the Moon Kingdom consists of the bower folding one arm behind and one in front of their body before bowing their head and angling their body forward. Similarly to the Sun Kingdom variation the bower requires permission to stand back upright in the form of the receiver touching the shoulder of the bower.

Meaning
Originally used as a way to display sympathy at funerals, the gesture gradually became more widespread. More commonly bowing is used to preface telling bad news or when waiting an order.

The front folded arm representing the bower's willingness to be called into action, and the back folded arm represent respecting the receivers intentions.