Informant: We always had to bless whenever we met any of our elders….we always had to hold their hand up to our forehead.

The informant and her young relatives learned to take the hand of a respected or elderly family member and hold it to their forehead while saying “bless.”

It had to be done anytime the family member was seen.

It was done as a sign of respect for the elder that matched the informant’s cultural upbringing that placed a heavy emphasis on respecting elders and adults.

The informant explained that actually performing the act was awkward and uncomfortable.

This performance would be unlikely in Western culture as youth is heavily prized which has overtaken the emphasis on elderly wisdom.