Where did the Holy Kiss originate and why?

Onesimus

I know its in the Bible that Paul told us we should greet each other with the Holy Kiss. But was he just inspired to do this by the Holy Spirit? or is there a kind of symbolic reason for it in the scriptures? Because every time I think of the Holy Kiss I think of Judas Kissing Christ on the cheek when he had betrayed him:o. I dont have a problem with the Holy Kiss and I know its a sign of peace and not betrayal of course but just wondering why we do it ( even though now in the roman church we shake hands instead of kiss ).

Was it something taken from the Old testament?

PDN

My understanding is that greeting one another with a kiss was common in Jewish culture. It's something I've encountered (and have taken a long time to get used to) in many parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and the mediterranean.

lmaopml

Onesimus wrote: »

I know its in the Bible that Paul told us we should greet each other with the Holy Kiss. But was he just inspired to do this by the Holy Spirit? or is there a kind of symbolic reason for it in the scriptures? Because every time I think of the Holy Kiss I think of Judas Kissing Christ on the cheek when he had betrayed him:o. I dont have a problem with the Holy Kiss and I know its a sign of peace and not betrayal of course but just wondering why we do it ( even though now in the roman church we shake hands instead of kiss ).

Was it something taken from the Old testament?

It was a common way of greeting a brother in Jewish culture at the time - Jesus did it too , it represented their commonality too I think as Jews, as brothers and sisters in God.

Just from a Catholic perspective my own few thoughts if I may...

I think of it like the way we are not meant to hold any grudges against our brothers or sisters before we approach God to pray, or as Matthew said before approaching the alter; to go and make peace first, otherwise we bring judgement on ourselves, we're not being honest if we're angry etc.. In Scripture it seems to signify a 'unity' if you like 'in Christ' when it's mentioned to greet eachother in this fashion when we gather - that's why we do it onesimus at Mass and why the early Christians did it too I think..

At Mass just before praying the Lords Prayer and also before receiving the Eucharist we make the 'sign of peace', and say 'Peace be with you', but it's meant to be symbolic also and not only peace with that person beside you, but a recognition of all our Christian brothers and sisters everywhere..The Priest asks us to raise up our hearts to the Lord as our 'offering' of ourselves, and we respond in kind. Then we offer thanks and praise and confirm that it's 'right and just' to do so - When we receive the Eucharist the Eucharistic minister says, 'The Body of Christ', and we respond 'Amen' - but the 'Amen' is not only recognition of the real presense of Christ but also of our confirmation of 'Yes, or Amen' - 'we are part of the body' too, part of that unity with the Lord and with all others. It's really quite beautiful and very powerful the way these things fit together perfectly in the Liturgy from Scripture. So next time you give the sign of peace, do it with a broad grin and a firm handshake..lol...

Do you actually 'kiss' in the Byzantine rite? Maybe French Roman Catholics kiss eachother on either cheek at Mass still - the Irish are a bit sheepish about their personal space sometimes. It can be a real shock to have people grab you and kiss you or hold your hand and stuff - but it's happened to me, and I just go along with it, it's part of their culture to do it...takes a bit of getting used to though

Benny_Cake

It's a cultural thing really, I lived in Thailand for a few months and had the opportunity to attend Easter Mass in one of the very few Catholic churches there. When it came to making the sign of peace, everyone turned to their neighbours and made the Wai (hands held together and a bow of the head), which is the traditional Thai greeting. So I'd imagine the sign of peace varies according to local custom.

prinz

Just don't ask me to be bowing and kissing anybody's ring (on hand) because it isn't happening.


As above, the kiss as a form of greeting still exists in many countries.

Splendour

prinz wrote: »

Just don't ask me to be bowing and kissing anybody's ring (on hand) because it isn't happening.

In my Catholic days, the parish priest of the church I was involved in was being ordained a bishop and some parishisoners were invited to the ceremony. At the after party bash I could see people kissing his ring but when he came my way I simply gave him a hug. He was a priest I'd know for a few years and I wasn't going to get all formal just because he'd gone up in the ranks!