A kiss has been a part of intimacy for centuries, it is a gesture that has many meanings, from friendly to erotic, from fraternal to treacherous.
The history of the kiss
Scientists believe that the kiss originated from the mouth-to-mouth feeding ritual practiced by our ancestors during evolution. Austrian scientist Irenaeus Eibl-Eibesfeld, who died last year, extensively documented such practices. In some communities, the same thing is done today, when the mother chews the food before giving it to the child. Some other experts believe, on the other hand, that kissing originates from breastfeeding, writes Novi list.
A kiss of health
Scientists agree that a kiss is like an injection, it strengthens the immune system and reduces stress. The heart beats faster, the metabolism works faster, and hormones such as oxytocin are released, which has a calming effect. Kissing strengthens the emotional bond between two people, whether they are partners or relatives. People who like to kiss are more resistant to depression and have lower blood pressure.
Recordings
Brazil holds the world record for mass kissing. According to the Guinness Book of Records, 13.577 couples kissed simultaneously in Sao Paulo in 2014. The longest kiss on film was played by Jane Wyman and Regis Toomey, who locked lips for three minutes and five seconds in the 1941 film »In the Army Now«. the kiss was achieved by the Italians Elisa Lazzarini and Michele Fucarino, who together held their breath for three minutes and 24 seconds.
Animals
Yes, they kiss too. Some monkeys, for example, though more for play than mating. Some birds with long beaks, such as storks or herons, gently 'beak' themselves before mating.
Kissing culture
According to a study by the Kinsey Institute in Indiana, less than half of the world kisses on the mouth. As an expression of love and intimacy, it is common in Asia and Europe, the Middle East and North America.
But the romantic kiss has no such role in the African regions south of the Sahara, in New Guinea or in Central America. Eskimos prefer to rub their noses together, although this may be related to the climate as their lips would freeze in the polar cold.
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