Wedding Traditions -There is Nothing Like a Kiss

Ah yes, the kiss, that joining of lips that can be a symbol of affection in its own right or as a precursor to more intimate affectionate pursuits. But is there more to this simple gesture than meets the eye, or to be more accurate, the lips?

The much anticipated first kiss of a married couple can be traced back to Roman times. Contracts were “signed” by a handshake, and in some cases, by a kiss. Both the kiss and the handshake were as binding as our modern legal briefs are bound by being signed, witnessed and delivered. Does the kiss really seal the deal, as they say?

Some believe that the kiss is a symbol of the exchanging of souls between the bride and groom. It is a way of ensuring that the two really do “become one”. The kissing usually continues at the reception, so this initial demonstration gets plenty of reinforcement.

The bride and groom are encouraged to kiss by guests at the reception, usually by the clinking of glasses. There is an ancient Christian belief that the clinking sound chases away the devil so the couple can steal a kiss while he is hiding. The ringing of tiny bells has the same effect.

t doesn’t really matter if the wedding kiss is just an impulsive, crowning gesture of the wedding ceremony or has the higher purpose of sealing a promise. The kiss, above all else, is a sign of affection between two people who love each other. Nothing else matters really.