Where should you kiss a friend on both cheeks, and in what cases is it better to send an air kiss? We're going on a trip around the world and learning a little more about kissing etiquette, informs Ukr.Media.
Every day we meet friends and acquaintances, kiss each other on the cheek and in most cases we don’t even give it any importance. But if we go to another country, the question of greeting can be up in the air: everywhere there are their own rules and traditions. In some countries, exchanging kisses (and more than one) is absolutely normal, while in some it is strictly prohibited by law. If you are not sure how to greet new acquaintances in a foreign country, you can nod or just smile, if the person is friendly to you, he will take the initiative and tell you about the nuances of the correct greeting.
Europe
A kiss on the cheek is a standard greeting in Europe for family, friends, and loved ones who have met on a walk, vacation, or on the street. During business meetings or in the workplace, people shake hands, and a kiss in such a situation would be considered inappropriate (and at worst, considered harassment). A kiss is more often greeted by a man and a woman or two women. Men can also kiss each other on the cheek, but most likely it will mean that they are relatives or close friends.
In Greece, there is a formal greeting kiss on both cheeks in turn. In Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania, there are similar rules. In Sweden and Germany, only women kiss each other when meeting, but still the majority avoids kisses and prefers a welcoming hug.
While in Switzerland, Luxembourg and some regions of Belgium, even “triple” kisses are possible. This is also the greeting in the Netherlands, Macedonia and Slovenia (starting with the right cheek).
Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland are also among the countries where kissing is not the most common form of greeting. For them, kissing on the cheek is more of a French tradition and popular among middle and upper class families.
In France, Italy and some regions of Spain, double kisses between men are common and acceptable, especially when it comes to close people. Interestingly, in France, the number of kisses varies by region: in Provence, locals kiss each other three times, and in the city of Nantes, it goes up to four. In the southeastern and eastern regions, they start with the left cheek, and in all other regions, they start with the right.
People in Belgium who know each other well are not indifferent to air kisses, the same can be said about some regions of Italy (if we are not talking about the northern part). In Spain, the same air kiss starts with the right cheek, and men still prefer a handshake.
Africa
In Africa, a kiss on the cheek is not a universal greeting. Kissing in public (especially between people of the same sex) is taboo, even if it is with family or close friends.
In the western countries of South Africa, a kiss on the cheek is only possible between women, but in no case between men or different sexes.
Egyptian rules are not so strict: kissing is also accepted between people of the same sex, and a kiss means a triple greeting on both cheeks.
South Africa is also famous for kissing each other on the lips when meeting. If, of course, we are talking about meeting friends (especially in rural areas). The same can be said about Australia.
South America
In South America, kissing is acceptable when meeting both women and men. Business relationships allow kissing if the partners are already familiar and friendly with each other before the meeting. It is also appropriate when introducing two strangers to each other, but it is not accepted if you are introducing yourself in public.
The number of kisses varies: in Mexico, Colombia and Panama it is one kiss, in Brazil it is two. This mainly applies to women, although in Chile, Uruguay and Ecuador men can also greet each other in this way.
North America
In the US and Canada, kissing is common to all (but men tend to prefer handshakes), and it can be on one cheek or both. There are no strict rules of etiquette here, and kissing goodbye is just as common as kissing when greeting.
Some states have their own interesting (and sometimes downright bizarre) rules: in Hartford, Connecticut, it is illegal for a man to kiss his wife on Sunday. And a man with a beard is legally prohibited from kissing a woman in public. Therefore, most prefer to shake hands or hug each other (but only if you know each other well).
Asia
In many Asian countries, even a small display of emotion is inappropriate in public.
Yes, a greeting kiss is unusual for China, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. In these countries, people prefer a nod, bow or a simple handshake, while in India the greeting is called “namaste”.
But in the Philippines, kissing is the order of the day. Families, friends, women and men greet each other like this, but they put their cheek to cheek, without touching each other with their lips and only once. This also applies to the Middle East (UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon).
Prohibitions exist in conservative countries that practice Islam. A man cannot kiss a woman unless they are married or related. In Iran, kissing on the cheek in front of others is a punishable offense. In more liberal countries: Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, there are no such strict rules for people of different sexes, especially when it comes to family. In Israel, when meeting, people kiss each other two or three times.
Джерело: ukr.media
