| The Peace is part of the Mass in most Catholic traditions.
It's generally a handshake or hug, rather than a kiss with the lips. When
I attended a Coptic Mass in Egypt, the people would kiss their hands and
then touch each other's hands together.
Kissing with the lips other than between lovers or possibly between family
members is not a part of western European culture. ("And I'll even let
Aunt Bertha hug and kiss me!") It is very much a part of Middle Eastern
culture.
Liturgy is often adapted to fit the culture of the local people.
During the late middle ages, the Peace was passed by passing an object,
called an "osculatorum", around the congregation. Rather than kissing
each other, the people would kiss the object and pass it on.
At some point the "osculatorum" was eliminated and replaced with a handshake.
/john
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| I hate kissing in religious services. Yuck. My Mom liked to give me a
big hug and slobber at the end of every service. I think she was so
glad I was there at all. Now that I'm adult and she knows I hate the
gushy stuff, she stopped.
I'd find handshakes okay, but no smooching, ok? GROSS. :-)
Laura
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| Well, I sorta like kissing and being kissed myself, but I can certainly
appreciate your feelings, Laura.
Peace (sans a kiss),
Richard
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