Kissing Customs From Around the World

Kissing is a universal expression of affection, but the way people engage in this intimate act varies greatly across different cultures. From unusual gestures to surprising traditions, this article dives into five strange kissing customs from around the world. These customs offer a fascinating insight into the diversity of human interactions and highlight the unique ways in which different societies express love and affection through kissing.

1. The Eskimo Kiss

Inuit culture, native to the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, has a distinctive form of greeting known as the Eskimo kiss. This traditional form of affectionate greeting involves two individuals rubbing their noses together instead of placing their lips on each other. The practice emerged as a practical way to express affection in freezing temperatures when touching lips could result in them sticking together. The warmth, affection, and familiarity in Inuit communities and is a unique form of non-verbal communication. It’s deeply rooted in the Inuit culture's emphasis on close physical proximity and the importance of communal living. By gently rubbing noses, individuals can convey their love, friendship, or familial bond without the need for direct contact or verbal communication.

2. The Butterfly Kiss

Another form of kissing known as the butterfly kiss is practiced in some cultures, particularly in parts of Southeast Asia. This delicate and flirtatious gesture involves fluttering the eyelashes against the cheek or skin of another person. The sensation mimics the light touch of a butterfly's wings, hence its name. The butterfly kiss is often shared between close friends, family members, or romantic partners as a gentle and playful expression of affection. It is considered an intimate gesture that symbolizes tenderness and affectionate connection. The butterfly kiss is associated with the notion of delicacy and gracefulness. By brushing their eyelashes against the cheek of the recipient, the person initiating the kiss conveys a sense of closeness, sweetness, and admiration. 

3. The Hand Kiss

In certain European cultures, particularly in Mediterranean countries, the act of kissing someone's hand is a sign of respect, courtesy, and chivalry. This custom is deeply rooted in traditional values and is often associated with courtly manners and formal occasions. When a person wants to show deference or admiration to another, they lightly touch their lips to the back of the person's hand, usually without actually making physical contact. The hand kissing gesture is typically performed by men to women, but it can also be observed between people of the same gender in formal settings. Hand kissing is a gesture that conveys reverence and honor to the person whose hand is being kissed. It harks back to a time when formal etiquette and social hierarchy played a significant role in society.

4. The Cheek Kissing

Cheek kissing, or the social kiss, is a common custom in many parts of the world, especially in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Unlike the traditional mouth-to-mouth kiss, cheek kissing involves lightly touching cheeks and making a kissing sound without actually making contact with the lips. The practice varies greatly across different cultures, with some regions opting for a single kiss on one cheek, while others engage in multiple kisses on both cheeks. In countries like France, the number of kisses exchanged can differ depending on the region. Cheek kissing is not necessarily romantic but is rather a customary way to express friendship, camaraderie, or familial bonds. The act of leaning in and touching cheeks symbolizes a sense of closeness and trust between individuals, fostering a sense of connection and unity.

5. The Nose-to-Nose Kiss

In Māori culture, the indigenous people of New Zealand, a unique form of greeting called the hongi involves pressing noses together. The hongi serves as a way to share breath, symbolizing the mingling of life forces and the exchange of ancestral spirits. It is a customary greeting performed on formal occasions, such as tribal gatherings, official ceremonies, or when meeting a respected elder. The hongi signifies unity, respect, and the forging of bonds between individuals and communities. The hongi holds deep cultural significance within Māori traditions. By pressing their noses together and breathing in each other's essence, individuals are believed to be exchanging the breath of life, acknowledging their shared ancestry and connection to the land. The hongi is not limited to Māori people and can be performed by individuals from different cultures as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of Māori customs.