The Proxy Kiss is a ritual practiced among the Giovanni and refers to the introduction of a Giovanni into the deeper mysteries of the family by ghouling them. As with everything else the Giovanni do, it is a combination of ritual and power game - the Proxy Kiss "makes" a Giovanni: they are now aware that they are part of a family of vampires, and the rewards that await good service. At the same time, it more thoroughly binds the ghoul to the family through the enforced loyalty of the blood bond. Proxy Kisses are given as rewards for good service, and while the Giovanni don't generally let their mortal members die of old age, they might delay the Kiss for a good 3 decades if they feel would be letting their own good vitae go to waste.