Kissing gates’ primary purpose is to allow human passage while restricting that of livestock. The origin of the name is supposedly because the gate “kisses” it’s frame when it opens and closes, although the more romantic later etymology alludes to couples in close proximity taking the opportunity to kiss in the confined space.
They can be a real PITA if you have a backpack and a tripod, let me tell you!
Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Tri-X Pan Kodak Tri-X Pan (likely expired sometime in the 1990s) @125asa
Ilfotec DD-X. 1+4 8mins @ 20°.
Taken on 21 March 2026
Steel City Snapper photography 
The term “kissing gate” has always fascinated me. Now I know!
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The first time I encountered one was on a school trip when I was a teenager. One of the teachers explained what they were and that it was traditional to kiss when passing. This led to a very brisk re-shuffling as the kids fought to avoid going through the gate with someone they didn’t want to smooch! 😀
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That is a pretty funny story! Ewwww! Kissing?
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I did not know that – there is a cafe in a country town near here called the Kissing Gate Cafe, is is the only one for miles around and does a roaring trade, I always thought it was just a quirky name for a cafe!
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Always something new to learn. 🙂
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