Socialist fraternal kiss

Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F088809-0038, Berlin, East Side Gallery

Socialist fraternal kiss or fraternal kiss is a special form of greeting between the leaders of Communist states. This form of greeting was emblematic of the bond and mutual support between socialist countries, particularly during the Cold War era. The practice was most commonly associated with countries within the Soviet Bloc, but it was also observed in other socialist countries around the world.

Origins and Significance

The origins of the socialist fraternal kiss can be traced back to traditional Slavic customs, which included kissing on the lips among men as a sign of friendship or respect. This tradition was later adopted and politicized by Communist parties to symbolize the unity and fraternal bond between socialist leaders and their nations. The act was meant to convey a strong message of solidarity and ideological alignment, not only to the citizens of the countries involved but also to the international community.

Practice

The socialist fraternal kiss was most prominently practiced by leaders of the Soviet Union and other socialist states during official meetings, celebrations, and congresses. It involved a handshake followed by a hug and a kiss on the lips, although the exact manner could vary, with some opting for cheek kissing as a less intimate alternative. This greeting was reserved for male leaders; female leaders were typically greeted with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek.

Notable Instances

One of the most iconic instances of the socialist fraternal kiss was between Leonid Brezhnev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, and Erich Honecker, the General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, in 1979. The photograph capturing this moment, taken by Regis Bossu, became one of the most famous images symbolizing the practice. It was taken during the 30th anniversary celebration of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and epitomized the close relationship between the Soviet Union and East Germany.

Decline

The practice of the socialist fraternal kiss began to decline in the late 1980s with the onset of Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of Glasnost and Perestroika, which aimed at reforming the Soviet Union and reducing tensions with the West. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent collapse of Communist regimes across Eastern Europe further led to the abandonment of many symbols and practices associated with the Soviet era, including the socialist fraternal kiss.

Legacy

Today, the socialist fraternal kiss is a subject of historical interest and is often referenced in discussions about the Cold War and the culture of Communist states. It remains a powerful symbol of the era and is frequently depicted in artworks, documentaries, and literature that explore the complexities of socialist politics and international relations during the 20th century.