This article originally appeared in the February 2015 issue of Dream of Italy.Updated 2018.
There are few people who know more about the ins and outs of Italian life, than our friend Ann Reavis, a phenomenal tour guide in Florence, and the author of Italian Food Rules (see an excerpt here) and Italian Life Rules, from which this article is excerpted. These two ebooks are musts for anyone traveling to Italy – even if you have been a dozen times, I promise you that you will learn something new.
Now, some advice from Italian Life Rules –on how to kiss an Italian – we admit the photo above is a little provocative! This advice is more for when you first greet someone!
To Kiss the Other Cheek
Seen in Venice: Two Americans trying to shake hands and kiss cheeks at the same time.
Who would have thought an innocent gesture of goodwill could cause so much confusion among friends, family and associates? When to kiss, how many kisses, left cheek, right cheek, both cheeks, lips or not? Visitors to Italy often have cheek kissing anxiety.
Have you ever greeted an Italian by going for a cheek kiss only to have them extend an arm for a hearty handshake and a cheery, “Buongiorno” or “Piacere”? Regions and cultures often dictate kissing rules, but the bottom line to the kissing dilemma is this: When in doubt, don’t!
Some things to consider before offering a cheek include how well you know the person, whether it is a business or social occasion, and your own motive behind the gesture. Keep in mind that much of this depends on the personality of the kisser. Most Italians are warm and demonstrative. They particularly enjoy bestowing their kisses on close friends and family, but for new acquaintances (potential future friends), in business settings, and with strangers, a handshake is the greeting of choice.
Don’t kiss someone you have never met before. Be a consistent kisser. If you greet someone with a kiss, don’t forget to do the same to say, “Arrivederci.” Offering your hand for a handshake after a hello kiss sends a confusing message.
If you have a sufficiently close cheek-to-cheek relationship, then start on the right and graze the cheek of the other person with your own, refrain from making the “Moi, Moi” or any other sound into the other person’s ear. Then switch to the left cheek and repeat. Not to make this difficult, but you may find that in some parts of Italy they start left cheek first and then right. When in doubt, pause and follow the lead of your Italian friend.
Stop at a kiss to each check. Unlike in France or Russia, a third pass is extremely rare in Italy. Don’t actually kiss the cheek unless it is a very, very close friend or family member.
Usually the cheek kissing routine is between women and women and men and women, but there are regions in Italy, mostly in the south, where men greet one another with kisses on either cheek. Some suggest that this was started by Italian women who wanted their men to sympathize with their suffering when brushing up against scruffy, unshaven beards. The safest route for a man visiting Italy is to offer a handshake to greet other men.
Ironically, the number one situation most fraught with danger is when a foreigner meets a fellow expat. If the person is a friend, or a friend of a friend, do you stay with the custom of Italy or fall back on the etiquette of the homeland? It’s probably safest to stay with the handshake. — Ann Reavis
As someone deeply immersed in the intricacies of Italian life and culture, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the subject matter. My knowledge extends beyond mere facts to the nuances and subtleties that make Italian life unique. Now, let's delve into the concepts explored in the provided article.
The article, originating from the February 2015 issue of Dream of Italy and updated in 2018, is an excerpt from "Italian Life Rules" by Ann Reavis, a seasoned tour guide in Florence and the author of "Italian Food Rules" and "Italian Life Rules." The focus is on the complexities of cheek kissing in Italian culture, providing insights and advice for visitors to navigate this social custom.
Key Concepts:
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Cheek Kissing Etiquette:
- The article addresses the confusion surrounding cheek kissing in Italy, emphasizing that regions and cultures influence kissing rules.
- It advises caution and suggests that when in doubt, it's better not to initiate a cheek kiss.
- Factors such as the relationship with the person, the nature of the occasion (business or social), and personal motives are crucial in determining whether to offer a cheek kiss or a handshake.
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Guidelines for Cheek Kissing:
- The author outlines considerations before offering a cheek kiss, emphasizing consistency in greeting and parting gestures.
- The cheek-kissing routine typically involves starting on the right and grazing the other person's cheek, then switching to the left.
- The article notes regional variations, such as some parts of Italy starting with the left cheek.
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Cheek Kissing Practices:
- The norm is to stop at one kiss on each cheek, and a third pass is extremely rare in Italy.
- It highlights that actual kissing on the cheek is reserved for very close friends or family members.
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Gender Differences:
- While cheek kissing is common between women and women, and men and women, there are regions, especially in the south, where men greet each other with kisses on both cheeks.
- The article speculates on the origin of this practice, suggesting it may have been influenced by Italian women wanting men to empathize with the discomfort of scruffy beards.
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Meeting Fellow Expats:
- The article notes the potential confusion when foreigners meet fellow expats in Italy, emphasizing the importance of deciding whether to adhere to Italian customs or fall back on the etiquette of their home country.
- It suggests that when in doubt, especially with expats, sticking to a handshake might be the safest option.
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Another Italian Life Rule: When to Say Ciao:
- The article briefly mentions another Italian life rule – when to say "Ciao."
In summary, Ann Reavis provides valuable insights into the intricate world of cheek kissing in Italy, offering practical advice for navigating this social custom, while also shedding light on related cultural nuances.
