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WHY SERBS KISS THREE TIMES, WHILE GREEKS, ALSO ORTHODOX, STICK TO TWO: Monk Evtimije Reveals the Hidden Message of a Seemingly Ordinary Greeting
Stories about saints Zina, Mina, Ina, Pina, and Rima reveal how the tradition of the Orthodox Church connects the history of apostles and martyrs with modern names.
TL;DR
- The Serbian greeting custom of three kisses has evolved into a recognizable sign of identity, faith, and belonging.
- Unlike Serbs, Greeks, who also share Orthodox heritage, maintain a custom of two kisses.
- The three kisses in the Serbian tradition are often symbolically linked to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The Church views this custom as a folk expression of faith, not a strictly prescribed practice.
- Historically, this gesture may have served as a quiet affirmation of Orthodox identity, especially during periods of foreign rule.
- The difference in the number of kisses between Serbs and Greeks illustrates how religious faith integrates into the daily lives of different peoples.