1986: USSR leader Mikhail Gorbachev and DDR chairman Erich Honecker performing a socialist fraternal kiss.

21 comments
  1. ekhm…(clearing throat)… GAAAAAAAYYY!!!
    Now to be serious – that was one of customs in communism, I am not sure if I remember correctly but it was from Russian old habit showing friendlines and respect. No clue if that is actually true but they kissed each other, though usually without such passion 😉

  2. What the hell, I did not know this. When did our culture get so homophobic!? This was basically erased from history except to say “no homo”

  3. This nice tradition was erased with all the elected female presidents around Europe. They have no balls to do it.

  4. Yes, there were same-sex marriages before… but not really what you think.

    During the Middle Ages, the feudal system was entrenched and there was a ceremony to seal the union between the vassal to his lord. This took place in several stages:

    1. first the vassal swears fealty to his lord (the lord takes the vassal’s hands in his own: this is the immixtio manuum);
    2. then they kiss each other in peace: this is the osculum (symbol of equality between warriors and Christians) before swearing mutual loyalty on the Bible;
    3. Finally, the lord gives an object that represents the fief (land, stick or piece of wood, gloves, gold ring or other).

    Extract from the ‘History of the murder of Charles the Good, Count of Flanders’, written in 1127 by Galbert of Bruges (Context: in 1127, the Count of Flanders dies, a new count, William, takes power. The vassals of the deceased count go to Count William and sign a new vassalage contract, as is customary):

    > The Count asked the future vassal if he wanted to become his man without reservation. The latter replied: “I do”. His hands were joined in those of the Count, and they joined in a kiss. Then the vassal said: “I promise in my faith to be faithful from this moment on to Count William and to keep my homage to him against all and entirely, in good faith and without deceit”. He swore this on the relic of the saints. Then the count gave him the investiture.

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