Which country kisses 3 times on the cheek?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 13, 2026
While cheek kissing is a common greeting in many cultures, each country has a unique way of kissing. In Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland and Lebanon, it is customary to "kiss three times, on alternate cheeks".
What does 3 cheek kisses mean?
In Serbia and Montenegro, it is also common for men to kiss each other on the cheek three times as a form of greeting, usually for people they have not encountered in a while, or during the celebrations (wedding, birthday, New Year, religious celebrations, etc.).What culture does 3 kisses?
Three Kisses: Belgium, Slovenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Egypt, and Russia (where it's accompanied by a bear hug)What countries kiss on both cheeks?
Italy, Spain, and Portugal: Kiss on each cheekMost of the time, rather than pecking, it's common to brush cheeks and make a kissing sound. Just don't be surprised if you find an Italian with wandering lips.
Do French people kiss 3 times?
In most cases, 2 is the norm. However, in some regions, we give 1, 3 or 4 kisses. Here is a very practical map that illustrates all the complexity of this famous custom. There you have it!Mother cries after discovering what her children were doing in the bathroom in secret
How many kisses are there in Italy?
In Italy, two kisses are typical, starting with the left cheek. (We can all learn some life lessons from the Italians?) In Russia, you can kiss two or three times, then you hug.What cultures kiss on the cheek?
While cheek kissing is a common greeting in many cultures, each country has a unique way of kissing. In Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland and Lebanon, it is customary to "kiss three times, on alternate cheeks".How many times do French kiss?
Tradition has it that four kisses are given so that each person can kiss each of the cheeks of the other twice.Why do the Dutch kiss three times?
In the Netherlands it is considered quite normal for Dutch people to greet each other with three kisses on the cheek. It is also custom to do the same again when saying good bye. It's just a friendly way of saying hello and farewell.In which country kiss is not allowed?
The Middle East and India are two parts of the world where you'll encounter the strictest public display of affection laws. Kissing in public is illegal in Dubai, and couples have been arrested for excessive PDA in Egypt.Do Italians kiss three times?
Spain: Generally speaking, two kisses (one for each cheek) is the norm. Italy: Two kisses is standard, but watch out — Italians tend to start with the left cheek. Also, try to save it for casual social environments (not networking events).Why do Serbians kiss three times?
Another speculation says that the three kisses celebrate 1) life, 2) death and 3) honor, in that order. But I found no evidence for such a claim. It is considered to be an old Serbian tradition, but ethnologists say it only started by the end of the last century.What is British kiss?
Sometimes, a kiss is so light, your lips just brush against each other. Therefore, the British slang “brush” was invented. Today, it's common slang for “kiss”.Why is it called French kiss?
French kissing became popular after WWINo one really knows the exact reason why we use the term, but it was likely adopted by Americans who traveled to France and kissed French women, who were more comfortable with a bit of tongue action, says Kirshenbaum. Naturally, the term “French kiss” developed.