Isn't it gross, as hundreds of others have also kissed it?
2006-09-06 08:17:11 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Kissing doesn't always mean love or romance.
2006-09-06 08:19:14 · answer #1 · answered by IT Pro 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're not kissing his hand.....it's the ring; a symbol. And its not every priest. Its the Bishop, in particular, the Bishop of Rome and its called the Fisherman's ring. A symbol for Christ.
The Ring of the Fisherman:
The earliest mention of the Fisherman's ring worn by the popes is in a letter of Clement IV written in 1265 to his nephew, Peter Grossi. The writer states that popes were then accustomed to seal their private letters with "the seal of the Fisherman", whereas public documents, he adds, were distinguished by the leaden "bulls" attached (see BULLS AND BRIEFS). From the fifteenth century, however, the Fisherman's ring has been used to seal the class of papal official documents known as Briefs. The Fisherman's ring is placed, by the cardinal camerlengo on the finger of a newly elected pope. It is made of gold, with a representation of St. Peter in a boat, fishing, and the name of the reigning pope around it.
2006-09-06 15:18:35 · answer #2 · answered by Augustine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably stems from the old rituals of kissing the king's hand. (it could have started with the kissing of a queen's hand when some horney guy wanted to get a quick touch!).... how about all those other countries where they kiss each other's cheeks(both of them) after a lot of others have kissed those cheeks too!!!
2006-09-06 15:27:35 · answer #3 · answered by javila 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a simple sign of respect and they kiss the ring signifying his office not the hand. This gesture is usually reserved for Bishops including the Pope.
2006-09-06 15:23:53 · answer #4 · answered by Robert L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a sign of respect. It seems more of a regional thing (yes I know Catholics do it, but the custom seems mediterranian or something).
Imagine having to drink from the same cup and pick off the same loaf of bread. That one occured at my Stepdad's church. EWWWWWW.
2006-09-06 15:21:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its' stupid. considering where those hands have been from what the news says about them these days, I surely would not want to kiss it.Yuck!
2006-09-06 15:18:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've only seen Catholics do it, but I would imagine it is a sign of respect.
2006-09-06 15:19:06 · answer #7 · answered by Grandma Susie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a sign of respect and love.
2006-09-06 15:18:46 · answer #8 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are kissing the religious ring not the dirty hand.
2006-09-06 15:19:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a sign of affection & respect. good point; i've never done that, though.
2006-09-06 15:19:10 · answer #10 · answered by lady sixx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋