I'm sorry but I have to disagree that this was an every session thing 10 to 15 years ago any more than it is now. It was probably something that the Dom's that you happen to be seeing at that time all did in that way.. possibly because they all shared the same training.

Don't get me wrong, I agree... I love that stuff and that was usually something that happened at some point (and still does when I get to actually play in a dungeon rather than a hotel room), but I actually recall much more of sessions starting in a more formal way with the Dom first having me strip and then kneel and kiss their foot as a way to start sessions back in the day. Like you with the cross, I miss this ritual that has seemed to fade (even with Dommes who have been around that long).