In modern Dutch, a zoen is a kiss. Before say 1650, however, it was a legal term for a reconciliation. For example, if somebody was murdered, the family of the victim and the murderer could get together to see if they could come to an agreement. The agreement could have included payment of a compensation, banishment of the murderer, asking forgiveness in church, doing penitence, et cetera. If the families came to an agreement, there would be no criminal prosecution. For an example of such an agreement, see the article about Willem van Wijfliet.
Puck van Heel being kissed by his wife and daughter, 1954. Credits: Nationaal Archief (CC-0)
About Yvette Hoitink
