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Kissing Rituals in Different Countries

While handshakes, hugs, bows, and nods, are all acceptable greetings, the most common greeting is a kiss, or kisses, on the cheek. Cheek is most common in Europe and Latin America and has become a standard greeting in Southern Europe.[2]

While cheek kissing is a common greeting in many cultures, each country has a unique way of kissing. In Russia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, and Egypt it is customary to “kiss three times, on alternate cheeks.” Italians, Hungarians, and Romanians usually kiss twice in a greeting and in Mexico and Belgium only one kiss is necessary. French culture accepts several ways to greet depending on the region. Two kisses are most common throughout all of France, but in Paris and Provence, you kiss the left cheek, right cheek, and back for one more kiss on the left for friends and family.  


Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.