The extinct social rituals thread reminded me of this.
I was reading a travel story and the author remarked that Poland is the only place where men still kiss a lady’s hand. That surprised me. I didn’t know this custom was dead elsewhere. I never really noticed it, but when I think about it the only times I can remember doing it myself I was either in Poland or at a Polish gathering. In North America you only see it in old black and white movies.
Has it just become uncommon or did I just miss the obvious?
When I was 20 years old a young (American born and bred) man kissed my hand and captured my heart as part of the result.
Since then, it has happened exactly once, upon introduction. And that was a year or so ago, when I met my niece’s Polish-born boyfriend (now 21, he came to this country when he was about 9).
I was wondering about that. I read somewhere they dont really touch the hand when they kiss it, they just approach it. This is the learned way. Those who arent experienced in it do touch the womans’ hand. Hmm
Kissing a lady’s hand is kind of goofy and crass, like Pepe LePew. I would crack up if anyone tried it. Anyway, Miss Manners said it is not proper for the gentleman to actually plant a big wet one on a woman’s hand, but if you are a foreigner it’s ok to sort of bow over it and maybe just briefly touch your lips. To the hand.
