6 amazing kissing traditions from different parts of the world

In different countries, kissing is treated differently. Somewhere no one will pay attention to the kissing couple, and somewhere the police will be called and may even be judged. But all these are extremes — we want to tell you about the most unusual traditions that exist around kissing in different countries of the world.

In this Asian country, it is forbidden to show feelings in public. Even in Thai movies and TV shows, you will not see people kissing and hugging. The maximum that you can afford here is to hold hands. But this does not mean that Thais necessarily hide to kiss. There is an unusual alternative to a kiss in the country, called "hom".

The inhabitants of the country simply bring their nose closer to another person and inhale the smell of his skin in the same way as they usually smell a flower. This tradition is associated with the ancient cult of the inviolability of the head and respect for personal space. Thais firmly believe that the head is a sacred part of a person and the receptacle of his soul. Therefore, you can approach it, but not touch it!

And in Spain, on the contrary, there is a real cult of kissing. Here, even complete strangers can kiss at a meeting, just like that, in the form of a greeting. But Spanish kisses have one little secret that foreigners, as a rule, do not know. Welcome dos besos ("two kisses") — these are not real kisses, but only their imitation.

Italians do not kiss strangers and just with friends — in this country they give free rein to their lips only when meeting their loved ones and closest friends. Even male friends can kiss — there is nothing strange about this here. There is an opinion that kissing between men is a legacy of the Roman Empire. In ancient times, the inhabitants of the Apennine Peninsula secured important contracts with a kiss, which is why Italian politicians are so fond of kissing foreign colleagues.

A special role was played by kisses in Renaissance Italy. During masquerades, you could express your tenderness without fear of being recognized, and after dark, you could continue to kiss without masks. The custom of kissing on holidays is associated with the belief that frankness on some days can bring good luck and protect from troubles.

The Scots are a reserved and even, one might say, stingy people with expressions of feelings. But there are exceptions to the rules. Residents of Scotland celebrate New Year's Eve with a fire show and solemn processions, and at the same time they kiss for the whole year ahead. According to the local custom, the New Year is a holiday that unites and reconciles people and you need to kiss everyone who happens to be nearby.

In Egypt, as in most other Muslim countries, showing feelings in the presence of outsiders can end badly. Even if a couple just hugged, the police may require documents confirming that a man and a woman are married. And although tourists get away with many innocent pranks, it is better not to take risks.

A public kiss entails unpleasant consequences, from a large monetary fine to imprisonment. But this is all about men and women. Guys in Egypt usually kiss and hug three times when they meet, which does not cause any emotions in others.

In this remote island country there is a very beautiful custom called "hongi". This is a traditional greeting of the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori people, which has been known for thousands of years. During the" hongi", people approach each other with their faces and touch their noses and foreheads. In this way, people "share their breath", which is considered a sign of respect and love.

The indigenous peoples of many corners of the earth have a greeting similar to "hongi". This is how Polynesians living relatively nearby and Eskimos living on the other side of the world kiss.