The custom of saluting [i.e., embracing] ladies by their…
![“The custom of saluting [i.e., embracing] ladies by their relatives and friends was introduced, it is said, by the early Romans, not out of respect originally, but to find by their breath whether they had been drinking wine, this being criminal for women to do, as it sometimes led to adultery.” quote by Joseph Haydn](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/f54/joseph-haydn-25205_adultery_the-custom-of-saluting-i-e-embracing-lad_420485.jpg)
“The custom of saluting [i.e., embracing] ladies by their relatives and friends was introduced, it is said, by the early Romans, not out of respect originally, but to find by their breath whether they had been drinking wine, this being criminal for women to do, as it sometimes led to adultery.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Women were greeted with a breath test to detect wine consumption, a crime that could lead to adultery.
In simple terms: Romans used salutes to sniff for alcohol in women.
Key Takeaway
Beware hidden motives behind polite customs.
Themes
social customs
gender norms
law
morality
history
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
sociological
historical
When to use this quote
- ancient Roman gatherings
- courtship rituals
- modern social etiquette
- law enforcement
- gender studies
Key Concepts
social control
gender surveillance
legal enforcement
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern greetings conceal power dynamics?
- What other seemingly benign customs serve as social control?
A Different Perspective
The practice reflects broader societal control over women's behavior, not just a quirky tradition.