Originally Posted by British
Serious question folks..

Seen footage at times of made guys greeting each other and there is a kiss on the cheek.

Does the guy who holds the higher rank kiss the guy, or is it the guy with the lower rank who kisses out of respect?

I know it may not happen so much now due to times changing, but I always wondered about that.

I know it may seem a silly question



It it not a "mafia" thing per se, nor did the Italian underworld develop it. Men "Kissing" one another on the cheek when initially greeting one another or saying goodbye is a very European thing, and an age-old Italian custom that was naturally carried over to many American-born Italians regardless of their vocation, or station, in life. The French and Greeks are also known for this, and several other cultures as well I'd imagine.