Origins of the Kiss
Anthropologists think kissing’s origins are to be found in primitive times when mothers chewed food and transferred it directly from their mouths to their babies’ mouths, a method of preparing baby food that is still practiced in some cultures today. Another theory comes from the Ziller Valley of Central Europe where pre-chewed tobacco was exchanged by mouth.
As early as 2000 BC, various cultures believed that bringing the mouths together signified the joining of two souls. According to anthropologist Vaughn Bryant Jr., the first erotic kiss was exchanged in about 1500 BC in India.
Kissing is frequently shown in Egyptian art. Scholars believe kissing would have been associated with "giving life" in the ancient Egyptian culture. The Romans, however, are attributed with perfecting the kiss as we know it today. They kissed each other hello on the mouth or on the eyes, and kissed robes, rings and statues of gods to indicate submission and respect.
Kissing became the means by which many a bargain was sealed throughout history. In the feudal system, a vassal would kneel before his overlord, put his hands in those of the lord and declare himself his man. Then the overlord bound himself by kissing the vassal and raising him to his feet.
Origins of French Kisses and Religious Kisses
Russians may have been the first to incorporate the kiss into the marriage ceremony, while France was the first to accept kissing in courtship. In the 6th century, dancing was a way to display affection and each dance was sealed with a kiss.
Of course, the French are attributed with the invention of the French kiss. Maraichinage is a prolonged kiss, originating from Pays de Mont in Britanny. It is the likely the predecessor of what is now commonly referred to as french kissing.
Kissing shows up in religious practice as well. It is recorded throughout the Bible in approximately 46 references in the Old and New Testaments. Jesus was betrayed by a kiss. Kissing of relics is practiced by many religions including Islam. The Black Stone housed at Mecca is worn hollow by centuries of veneration and is now held together with a silver band. The act of blowing kisses with the hand comes from old religions where they blew kisses to the gods.
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