Red Lips: The Fraternal Kiss, a Socialist Symbol of Unity
The practice had its roots in early Christian and Russian Orthodox traditions, and was later adapted by Communist regimes as a secular display of comradeship. As it evolved, the socialist fraternal kiss became a nuanced diplomatic tool, with its execution closely observed during meetings between Communist leaders.
The omission or refusal of this embrace spoke volumes about international relations. Following the Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s, Chinese officials pointedly refused to embrace their Soviet counterparts. Even when relations normalised decades later, Chinese protocol stubbornly maintained a "handshake, no embrace" policy. This stance extended only to Soviet leaders, as Chinese officials continued to exchange fraternal kisses with leaders from other Communist countries.
The socialist fraternal kiss catapulted into global consciousness in 1979, thanks to a now-famous photograph by Regis Bossu. The image captured Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev, leaders of East Germany and the USSR respectively, locked in a mouth-to-mouth kiss during the 30th anniversary celebrations of the East German Republic. Dubbed simply "The Kiss," this photograph became a sensation in the international press and magazines.
The irony of this intimate gesture flourishing in a political system often criticised for suppressing individual expression wasn't lost on observers. It highlighted the complex interplay between personal affection and political symbolism in Communist regimes. The socialist fraternal kiss, now relegated to history books and old photographs, serves as a reminder of a time when even the most intimate gestures were part of the political playbook.
