The History of Kissing

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Smooching

Have you ever wondered why we kiss? Such a weird thing. Putting our lips together and smacking. Why even the lips? Who invented that? Why not the ears? Although I have a theory, that you can even kiss with your fingers when done right, we chose the mouth as one of the most popular vehicles to show affection.

Today, I bring y’all the story of the kiss! Because who doesn´t enjoy kissing? It´s therapeutic. A kiss is a comfort. It transcendents languages and cultures. It can be passionate and romantic, but also tender, shy. Some are a witness to courage or a testimony of forgiveness.

Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a lip-smacking journey through the history, science, and art of kissing.

The Origins of Kissing

Its history is as mysterious as it is ancient. Some anthropologists believe it began as a way for mothers to pass chewed food to their babies—a practice known as “kiss feeding.” Romantic, right? Others argue that it is a behavior to recognize if a partner is a match, as saliva contains many hormones and enzymes which serve as a recognizing factor.

The oldest evidence of kissing practices dates back more than 100,000 years, thanks to a saliva-borne bacterium called Methanobrevibacter Oralis, found in the bodies of Neanderthals and modern humans. Insinuating that there was at some point an exchange of oral fluids between them, probably by touching lips. Other diseases like Herpes precede to 5000 years ago, which is also an orally transmitted disease.

Later, tales of gods and mortals from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt describe acts of copulation involving kissing. These stories were found on tablets dating back to 2,500 B.C.

Many historians believe that the act of kissing is a habit originating from the Vedic culture (or religion), which was based on the Vedas, the four most ancient texts of Indian culture. In these sacred texts kissing is described as a spiritual experience where lovers “set mouth to mouth”. It is believed that after this, the act was popularized in the West, by the Romans and Greeks.

Kissing was not always well regarded. Rules and social norms were imposed throughout the ages to “regulate” kissing. Mostly by the church, rejecting erotism and pleasure, especially outside of marriage. In England, in 1439, smooching was forbidden to stop the spread of the Black Death and other diseases.

It is difficult to know exactly where this particular act originated. Perhaps it was a natural attraction between bodies, just like the act of hugging or touching. Or an inevitable necessity, like eating, crying or mating.

Now that we have some context, let’s place ourselves in today’s society where kissing is part of everyday life (hopefully), between couples, parents and children, friends or even acquaintances.

The Types of Kisses

Kisses between couples are not the same as kisses among family members or kissing royalty.

1. Social Kisses: These are the cheekpecks exchanged between friends and family members. Depending on where you are in the world, you might give one, two, or even three kisses.
2. Romantic Kisses: From the passionate French kiss to the gentle neck kiss, these are meant to express love and desire.
3. Affectionate Kisses: Forehead, cheek, and nose kisses fall into this category. They’re sweet, non-sexual gestures that show you care.
4. Playful Kisses: Butterfly and Eskimo kisses are fun and whimsical, perfect for light-hearted moments.

The Many Ways to Kiss

Depending on the occasion, there are many ways to do this right.

1. The Peck: Quick, light, and often used as a greeting. It’s the vanilla of kisses—simple but always appreciated. The quantity differs from culture to culture. In South America, one kiss on the cheek to say hello to your friends or when you meet someone is almost a rule. If you avoid it, it can be perceived as rude or distant. In many other Countries like Germany or Switzerland, getting so close without knowing each other can feel very uncomfortable for others.
2. The French Kiss: Ah, the classic. Full of passion, this kiss involves plenty of tongue action and is not for the faint of heart. The speed plays a big role and what the hands are doing sets the mood as well.
3. The Eskimo Kiss: No lips involved here! Instead, it’s all about rubbing noses—a playful and affectionate gesture. This kiss is one of the first we get as babies and it’s a reminder of those times.
4. The Butterfly Kiss: Get up close and personal, and flutter your eyelashes against your partner’s skin. It’s like a kiss but with your eyes.
5. The Forehead Kiss: A tender, comforting kiss that says, “I care about you” without uttering a word. Bet who laughs first.
6. The Hand Kiss: Old-school and charming. A gentle peck on the hand can make anyone feel like royalty. It´s a trip to the past, springs from respect.

*Pecks between men are still taboo in many societies, as it is believed to be an “unmasculine” act*

Is Kissing Good for Us?

Absolutely! It’s proven that kissing boosts our mood by releasing a cocktail of feel-good chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. It also helps reduce stress and even lowers blood pressure. Human contact and affection is very important for the overall well-being. Kissing between parents and their children provides confidence and closeness to the latter, which are extremely important for social development and a sense of belonging.

For couples, it’s a fun way to burn a few calories—around 2-3 per minute. So, the next time someone tells you to “get a room,” just remember, you’re working on your health.

“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.”

Ingrid Bergman.

Animal Kingdom Kisses

Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy a good kiss. Our animal friends partake in their own forms of kissing, too. Chimpanzees and bonobos kiss to bond, find mates, and make up after fights. Dogs might lick your face as a sign of affection. Birds engage in beak-to-beak contact. And cats might “eye kiss” you, when they stare with half-closed eyelids and slowly blink, repeatedly. So, next time you catch your pet giving you a sloppy lick or staring at you, just know they’re spreading the love.

We don´t truly know why we do it but we can’t certainly pigeonhole its beginnins as mothers feeding their babies. It is an enigma. One that feels good, and sometimes, that’s all that matters.

Go and smooch!

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My Week on Senses

What have I been up to this week? A description of what my senses have felt!

👂This live concert from Gilberto Gil in tribute to his beloved friend João Gilberto.

👀 Watching Shōgun for the first time. My dear goodness is this series awesome? The characters, ambient, effects, dialogues. It has it all.

👅Eating a lot of Guanábana. It´s a fruit from South America. Delicious, soft, and sweet.

👐 I’m back in the garden. After leaving for 4 weeks, the plants were missing me and I was missing them. But we are back on track.

👃 Scent candles from Suaita Shop. The smells are so creative! Never seen their combinations before. I went nuts with their Grapefruit and Mangosteen Bowl.

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