Kissing the hands that are contaminated with the blood of the country’s youth

In Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Somalia, and Brunei, hand-kissing is a common way to greet elder people of all genders, primarily the closest relatives (both parents, grandparents, and uncles or aunts) and teachers. Occasionally, after kissing the hand, the greeter will draw the hand to his own forehead. In the Philippines, the gesture evolved into just touching the hand to the forehead. In Southern Italy, especially Sicily, the verbal greeting “I kiss the hands.” (Italian: “Bacio le mani.”) derives from this usage. Similarly, in Hungary the verbal greeting “I kiss your hand.” (Hungarian: “Kezicsókolom.”) is sometimes used, especially when greeting elders and in rural communities. The shortened version “I kiss it.” (Hungarian: “Csókolom.”) is more wide spread.

January 22, 2023 | 1:07 am