Editing Kiss (section)

==Kiss as ritual==
[[File:Maestranza-1.jpg|thumb|Kiss on the crucifix in Catholicism]]
[[File:Kiss the Blarney Stone.jpg|thumb|Kissing the [[Blarney Stone]]]]
[[File:Denis Thatcher Nancy Reagan 1988.jpg|thumbnail | [[Denis Thatcher]], husband of British prime minister [[Margaret Thatcher]], kissing the hand of [[Nancy Reagan]] wife of US president [[Ronald Reagan]] in 1988]]

Throughout history, a kiss has been a ritual, formal, symbolic or social gesture indicating devotion, respect or greeting. It appears as a ritual or symbol of religious devotion. For example, in the case of kissing a temple floor, or a religious book or icon. Besides devotion, a kiss has also indicated subordination or, nowadays, respect.

In modern times the practice continues, as in the case of a bride and groom kissing at the conclusion of a wedding ceremony or national leaders kissing each other in greeting, and in many other situations.

===Religion===
A kiss in a religious context is common. In earlier periods of [[Christianity]] or [[Islam]], kissing became a ritual gesture, and is still treated as such in certain customs, as when "kissing... relics, or a bishop's ring."<ref name=Brayer /> In [[Judaism]], the kissing of the [[Sefer Torah|Torah scroll]], a [[Siddur|prayer book]], and a [[Tallit|prayer shawl]] is also common.<ref>Kuraweil, Arthur.''The Torah for Dummies'', Wiley Publishing (2008) p. 218</ref> Crawley notes that it was "very significant of the affectionate element in religion" to give so important a part to the kiss as part of its ritual. In the early Church the baptized were kissed by the celebrant after the ceremony, and its use was even extended as a salute to saints and religious heroes, with Crawley adding, "Thus Joseph kissed Jacob, and his disciples kissed Paul. Joseph kissed his dead father, and the custom was retained in our civilization", as the farewell kiss on dead relatives, although certain sects prohibit this today.<ref name=Crawley>Crawley, Ernest. ''Studies of Savages and Sex'', Kessinger Publishing (revised and reprinted) (2006)</ref>{{Rp|126}}

A distinctive element in the Christian [[liturgy]] was noted by [[Justin Martyr|Justin]] in the 2nd century, now referred to as the "[[kiss of peace]]," and once part of the rite in the primitive Mass. [[Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare|Conybeare]] has stated that this act originated within the ancient Hebrew [[synagogue]], and [[Philo]], the ancient Jewish philosopher called it a "kiss of harmony", where, as Crawley explains, "the Word of God brings hostile things together in concord and the kiss of love."<ref name=Crawley />{{Rp|128}} [[Cyril of Jerusalem|Saint Cyril]] also writes, "this kiss is the sign that our souls are united, and that we banish all remembrance of injury."<ref name=Crawley />{{Rp|128}}

===Kiss of peace===
Nyrop notes that the [[kiss of peace]] was used as an expression of deep, spiritual devotion in the [[early Christian Church]]. Christ said, for instance, "Peace be with you, my peace I give you," and the members of Christ's Church gave each other peace symbolically through a kiss. [[St Paul]] repeatedly speaks of the "holy kiss," and, in his [[Epistle]] to the Romans, writes: "Salute one another with an holy kiss" and his first Epistle to the Thessalonians ([[1 Thessalonians]] 5:26), he says: "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss."<ref name=Nyrop />{{Rp|101}}

The kiss of peace was also used in [[secular]] festivities. During the [[Middle Ages]], for example, Nyrop points out that it was the custom to "seal the reconciliation and pacification of enemies by a kiss." Even knights gave each other the kiss of peace before proceeding to the combat, and forgave one another all real or imaginary wrongs. The holy kiss was also found in the ritual of the Church on solemn occasions, such as baptism, marriage, confession, ordination, or obsequies. However, toward the end of the Middle Ages the kiss of peace disappears as the official token of reconciliation.<ref name=Nyrop />{{Rp|109}}

===Kiss of respect===
[[File:Re-enactment at the Seashore (5851205620) (2) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Man kissing the ground after a long sea voyage (as part of a reenactment of the first landing of English settlers in Virginia in 1607)]]
The kiss of respect is of ancient origin, notes Nyrop. He writes that "from the remotest times we find it applied to all that is holy, noble, and worshipful—to the gods, their statues, temples, and altars, as well as to kings and emperors; out of reverence, people even kissed the ground, and both sun and moon were greeted with kisses."<ref name=Nyrop />{{Rp|114}}

He notes some examples, as "when the prophet [[Hosea]] laments over the idolatry of the children of [[Israel]], he says that they make molten images of calves and kiss them" ({{bibleverse|Hosea|13:2|HE}}). In classical times similar homage was often paid to the gods, and people were known to kiss the hands, knees, feet, and the mouths, of their idols. [[Cicero]] writes that the lips and beard of the famous statue of [[Hercules]] at [[Agrigentum]] were worn away by the kisses of devotees.<ref name=Nyrop />{{Rp|115}}

People kissed the cross with the image of Jesus, and such kissing of the cross is always considered a holy act. In many countries it is required, on taking an oath, as the highest assertion that the witness would be speaking the truth. Nyrop notes that "as a last act of charity, the image of the Redeemer is handed to the dying or death-condemned to be kissed." Kissing the cross brings blessing and happiness; people kiss the image of [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Mary]] and the pictures and statues of saints—not only their pictures, "but even their relics are kissed," notes Nyrop. "They make both soul and body whole." There are legends innumerable of sick people regaining their health by kissing relics, he points out.<ref name=Nyrop />{{Rp|121}}

The kiss of respect has also represented a mark of fealty, humility and reverence. Its use in ancient times was widespread, and Nyrop gives examples: "people threw themselves down on the ground before their rulers, kissed their footprints, literally 'licked the dust,' as it is termed."<ref name=Nyrop />{{Rp|124}} "Nearly everywhere, wheresoever an inferior meets a superior, we observe the kiss of respect. The Roman slaves kissed the hands of their masters; pupils and soldiers those of their teachers and captains respectively."<ref name=Nyrop />{{Rp|124}} People also kissed the earth for joy on returning to their native land after a lengthened absence, as when [[Agamemnon]] returned from the [[Trojan War]].

===Kiss of friendship===
The kiss is also commonly used in American and European culture as a salutation between friends or acquaintances. The friendly kiss until recent times usually occurred only between ladies, but today it is also common between men and women, especially if there is a great difference in age. According to Nyrop, up until the 20th century, "it seldom or never takes place between men, with the exception, however, of royal personages," although he notes that in former times the "friendly kiss was very common with us between man and man as well as between persons of opposite sexes." In guilds, for example, it was customary for the members to greet each other "with hearty [[handshake]]s and smacking kisses," and, on the conclusion of a meal, people thanked and kissed both their hosts and hostesses.<ref name=Nyrop />{{Rp|142}}