A Sign of Respect and Love
The hand-kissing tradition is a beloved custom in Turkey and is seen as a sign of respect and love for those who are older. This gesture is typically performed on religious holidays, as well as at special occasions such as marriages, henna nights, or circumcision ceremonies. To perform the hand-kissing tradition, one takes the hand of the person they are honoring and brings it to the forehead, a sign of deep respect. This gesture is said to come from the ancient Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures and is still practiced in many countries today. This heartfelt gesture is a cherished part of Turkish culture and is a beautiful way to express one’s admiration and love.