To pay our respects to a person in modern society the gesture of hand-kissing still exists. This centuries-old ritual, which means “Your humble servant”, has its roots in the relationship between the lord and the vassal. Although today it still occurs in this original sense as a sign of loyalty, combined with a bow, in Asia, in the European countries its metaphoric significance is spread. Of course, today nobody is obliged to express his or her respect in this way. In England, for example, hand-kissing is not the custom. Yet, this gesture is rich in its long tradition, and exchanged at its most informal level between a gentleman and a lady it remains a sign of gallant flattery.

But just like all other public gestures, hand-kissing has its rules according to the situation and the rank of the people. An interesting example is the fact that although we say kissing, the lips should not touch the hand. If the gesture is aimed at a clergyman, you must not take his hand but lift his hand up to your face with the back of your own hand. In this case, there is a touch – you touch the ring of the clergyman with your lips.

Hand-kissing may express respect or a hearty attachment.