June 28, 2011 — Kissing the hand of a lady

Dear William (and Daniel, Catherine, Michael & Baby Girl Y) (and your parents), (and any future descendants and their parents),

Let me tell you about one custom that is necessary to master to be a proper man in certain societies, including Polish society — kissing the hand of a lady.

A hand-kiss was considered a respectful way for gentleman to greet a lady. The practice originated in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Spanish courts of the 17th and 18th centuries. The gesture is still at times observed in Central Europe and Eastern Europe, especially Poland, Austria, Hungary, Turkey and Romania.

Hand-kissing is a gesture indicating courtesy, politeness, and respect by a man towards a woman.

A hand-kiss is initiated by the lady receiving the greeting by holding out her hand with the palm facing downward. The person kissing bows towards the offered hand and touches the knuckles with his lips, while lightly holding the offered hand. The gesture is short, lasting less than a second.

Nowadays, hand-kissing has become rare and is mostly restricted to upper class or diplomats — BUT, young man, YOU are upper class; thus you should be prepared to be proper.