Under what circumstances is it appropriate to kiss a lady's hand?

Should this be done only if you have met the lady previously and are acquainted? If not,m when then?


And where should the kiss be placed? On the fingers, the knuckles or the top of the hand opposite the palm?

Under what circumstances is it appropriate to kiss a lady's hand?
It is the mark of a true gentleman to gently take a lady's outstretched hand and instead of shaking it, bend down and offer a neat kiss upon the back (opposite her palm). In doing this, he is stating that he considers her to be a lady of the highest regard and he is showing his respect for her.





This happens often in my life (I am in the SCA as well, where chivalry is most definitely alive and thriving), but each time I am delighted anew and still blush.





The kiss should be quick and dry and eye contact should be made upon the man straightening again. This does not have to be a romantic gesture.
Reply:There are nations that frown upon the actions. Europeans may consider it chivalrous but coming from a man with a different culture they may suspect some mischief.


As an Asian, I kiss the hands of the elders as a sign of respect. Oftentimes I placed their hands to my forehead. I kiss the hand of my girlfriend as an endearing gesture but only when I want her to know how much I truly love her with utmost respect.
Reply:When you and the lady are on good terms and she likes you. Do not go around kissing ladies' hands whom you meet for the first time, they might think you are a Romeo. Kiss on the finger near the knuckles or on the hand above the knuckles.
Reply:Heh, my younger brother [23] bowed well and kissed the hand of each Princess he came across when we went to Disney World.





Traditionally, instead of shaking a woman's hand, I will accept her hand when offered, bow some, and lower my head over it if it is a casual meeting. In business meetings I shake a woman's hand so that she may feel that I consider her no different than a man in the business (she is not a woman to me at that moment). If it is a woman I do not know, I will leave it at that, and no contact will be made, but the gesture remains. If it is an acquaintence, I will let my lips hover over the hand, but again, no contact. Close friends and my significant other get kisses on the hand, usually on the back of the hand, toward the middle, a very rare few (maybe two) on the palm.





It can be done if you are part of the SCA, at a Renaissance Faire, or whenever you feel it is appropriate. However, I have gotten strange or rude looks and comments in response on occasion, mostly from women who find it an antiquated ritual that was "thankfully" gotten rid of with the feminist movement, or believed I had an ulterior motive; which, being quite uninterested in most of them, is hardly the case. But, most of the time they just look perplexed and complimented, which is part of the pleasure in doing it. I believe if you do it well, your intent will be shown, whether it is merely a greeting, or something more.
Reply:For this technique to work you must, and i mean must, be at a tea party. Then and only then will she let you into her castle.
Reply:Don't kiss the hand of a woman or what you call a Lady, unless your gonna meet Queen Elizabeth. Then it is appropriate. When you kiss her hand, place the kiss right on top of her hand, opposite the palm. The women now days, do not want to be kissed on the hand. Some Countries might carry on with that practice, and some do not. But Un-less it is a Royal person, don't kiss any womans hand. Ugh !!
Reply:The kiss should be placed on top of the hand between the wrist and the knuckels. It should be given to women who are single, and in today society could be used as a way to flirt. as to when, it should be used as a greeting, either when you are first introduced or when you are saying goodbye. the kiss should be gentle and brief.
Reply:You Should DEFINATLY only kiss Royal Women. And if you do, it should be while you are just saying "Hello! Good Day" to her.
Reply:The kiss should be placed on top of your own thumb, not on the lady's hand because if the lady didn't wash her hands, you can catch a disease.
Reply:I think it's always appropriate to kiss the back of a lady's hand...but not on the knuckle area, you kiss on the top part of the hand. It's a respectful thing and is very gentlemanly when a man does that for a woman.





I have had it happen in my regular life and also in my SCA life.