Buzz
Nearly everyone has experienced a kiss, dreams of their first kiss, or eagerly anticipates that unforgettable moment when their lips meet their crush's. Yet, there’s far more to discover about kissing than meets the eye.
10. The Etymology of the Word
The term “kiss” originates from the Old English word cyssan, which translates to “to kiss.” While the exact origin of cyssan remains uncertain, many believe it mimics the sound produced during a kiss.
The Romans used multiple terms to describe various types of kisses. A kiss on the hand or cheek was called basium, a closed-mouth kiss was referred to as osculum, and a deep, passionate kiss was known as saviolum.
While the Greeks may not have had specific words for kissing, they had numerous terms for love. Philia represented a loyal, familial love, while eros signified a more intense, romantic passion. Plato noted that eros could also denote admiration for someone’s beauty and emphasized that true love transcends physical attraction.
Additionally, the Greeks used agape to describe the highest form of love—pure, unconditional affection shared among family and the closest of friends.
910. Percentage Of The World That Doesn’t Kiss
Mangaia Island, the oldest island in the Pacific Ocean at approximately 18 million years old, had no concept of kissing until the English introduced it to the locals in the 1700s.
Today, about 90 percent of the world’s cultures engage in kissing. The remaining 10 percent abstain for various reasons. For instance, certain regions in Sudan avoid kissing, believing the mouth is a gateway to the soul and fearing their soul might be taken through mouth-to-mouth contact.
The well-known Eskimo kiss, where noses are pressed together instead of lips, didn’t originate from a fear of mouths freezing together, as some think. Instead, it developed because, in the harsh cold, only the eyes and noses were uncovered, leading the Eskimos to create this unique way of showing affection. It remains one of the most iconic non-lip kisses globally.
8. The Global Spread of Kissing
Researchers remain uncertain about the origins of kissing. They debate whether it is an innate behavior or one that was learned. Some experts suggest it began with “kiss feeding,” a practice where mothers would pre-chew food and transfer it directly to their infants, similar to how birds feed their young.
The earliest reference to kissing as a romantic act appears in Sumerian poetry, from the world’s oldest known civilization. Kissing is also depicted in ancient Egyptian love poems, and the Bible’s Book of Genesis recounts Jacob kissing his wife, Rachel.
Historians theorize that kissing gained widespread popularity after Alexander the Great’s conquest of India, where it had been a common practice for ages. Vedic texts referred to it as “touching with their mouths,” a fitting description. Alexander introduced this custom to the West, and it has endured ever since.
7. Many Animals Besides Humans Kiss
While not identical to human kissing, many animals exhibit affectionate behaviors strikingly similar to ours. Chimpanzees, for instance, often display kiss-like actions after conflicts as a form of reconciliation. Research indicates this behavior isn’t limited to chimps—numerous primates also “kiss” in their unique ways.
Non-primate species also engage in kiss-like interactions. Meerkats, for example, nuzzle and lick each other’s scent glands to establish dominance and submission. This behavior is particularly crucial when a meerkat rejoins its group, as the alpha female’s expulsion is often the reason they departed initially.
Elephants, among the most intelligent and emotionally complex creatures, also display such behaviors. During challenging times, such as the loss of a herd member, elephants have been seen placing their trunks in each other’s mouths as a sign of comfort and solidarity.
6. Kissing Offers Numerous Health Benefits
Research has demonstrated that kissing is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for your health. While most of our bacteria is similar to others’, about 20 percent varies from person to person. This variation means that kissing can actually strengthen your immune system.
Kissing also promotes dental health. The increased saliva flow during a kiss helps flush out harmful bacteria, contributing to cleaner and whiter teeth. Additionally, the excitement and increased heart rate from kissing cause your blood vessels to expand, which can help lower blood pressure.
However, these benefits are nullified if you kiss someone who is ill. Illnesses such as herpes, colds, and even meningitis can be transmitted through kissing. Fortunately, such cases are rare, and experts agree that the advantages of kissing significantly outweigh the potential risks.
5. The Science Behind Kissing
The scientific study of kissing, known as philematology, explores not only the biological aspects and hormones involved but also the reasons behind why humans kiss.
While many claim that a first kiss leaves a lasting impression, scientists suggest it goes further. They argue that kissing offers sensory cues—such as taste, sound, and smell—that can encourage further intimacy. However, a poor kiss might signal the other person to reconsider the relationship. Research indicates that 59 percent of men and 66 percent of women have experienced reduced attraction after a first kiss.
A study involving over 1,000 college students found that women generally value kissing more than men and are more likely to insist on kissing before becoming physically intimate. Scientifically, the pleasure of kissing stems from the fact that our lips are densely packed with nerve endings, making them one of the most sensitive parts of the body.
4. World Records in Kissing
The current world record for the longest kiss is held by Thailand’s Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat. In 2013, they achieved this feat by kissing for 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds during a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not event.
They surpassed the previous record set by Andrea Sarti and Anna Chen in 2004, who kissed for 31 hours and 18 minutes. The couple only stopped when they nearly fainted—Chen needed to lie down, and Sarti required oxygen. Despite the ordeal, their story ended happily, as Sarti used the $12,700 prize money to marry Chen.
Even outside record-breaking attempts, the average person spends a remarkable amount of time kissing. Studies reveal that the typical person spends two weeks of their life kissing. With approximately 1,560 calories burned per hour of kissing, the average person loses 30,240 calories over their lifetime just from kissing.
The impact of kissing varies depending on the type. A brief peck won’t achieve much, but a passionate kiss that leaves you breathless can help burn calories. While it’s not as effective as jogging or swimming (it doesn’t even compare, so don’t use it as an excuse for indulging in a double cheeseburger), it’s certainly more enjoyable.
3. Fear of Kissing
The first kiss is often intimidating. What if it goes wrong and ruins the moment? For most, this anxiety diminishes with experience and practice.
However, for some, this fear is more severe and is known as philemaphobia. Like other phobias, it doesn’t simply fade away. Causes can range from germophobia to traumatic experiences such as rape or physical abuse, which can lead to an aversion to kissing.
Often, individuals with philemaphobia find it difficult to pinpoint the root cause of their fear. This uncertainty adds to their anxiety, as they worry others might perceive their fear as irrational or trivial, especially since kissing is cherished by so many.
2. Countries Where Kissing is Restricted
Despite it being 2014, many nations still outlaw public displays of affection. In Mexico, university professor Manuel Berumen was detained for kissing his wife in public. In some regions, the penalties are even harsher. For instance, a Saudi Arabian man was arrested in 2010 for hugging and kissing a woman, resulting in a sentence of 90 lashes and four months in prison.
To avoid uncomfortable situations, always consult the United States Department of State before traveling abroad. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the contact details of the U.S. Embassy in your destination country, just in case you need assistance. Few things ruin a trip faster than an unexpected stint in jail.
1. Kissing and Its Chemical Reactions
The notion that successful relationships rely on chemistry isn’t just a cliché. Research reveals that kissing triggers the release of dopamine, a potent hormone that activates the same brain regions as cocaine. This hormone can evoke intense feelings of longing and attraction, along with side effects like insomnia, reduced appetite, and increased energy.
Some researchers believe dopamine may play a role in infidelity. As the excitement of kissing a long-term partner diminishes, dopamine production decreases. To recapture that hormonal surge, some individuals may seek it outside their relationship.
On the other hand, kissing a long-term partner releases oxytocin, a hormone that fosters feelings of calm and contentment. Experts stress the importance of couples maintaining regular kissing habits, as it sustains oxytocin levels and promotes lasting happiness.
