“I have seen you so intimately… you had lifted your face above your lips”, wrote Jibanananda Das. A kiss has always lived at the heart of human expression. From poetry to everyday life, it carries meanings that words often fail to hold. Yet, even today, it can stir debate, as seen in the recent social media uproar over a couple kissing at a Kolkata Metro station. This simple act remains both deeply familiar and quietly contested.
Where did kissing begin?
Scientists believe the origins of kissing go back nearly 1 lakh years. Early humans practised premastication, where mothers softened food in their mouths before passing it to their children. Over time, this intimate exchange is thought to have evolved into a gesture of affection. Mentions of kissing also appear in written records dating back around 4,500 years.
A subtle biological test
Beyond emotion, kissing involves a quiet biological process. When two people kiss, their bodies respond to chemical signals that may hint at compatibility. This interaction can help individuals subconsciously assess aspects like immune strength, influencing attraction in ways we do not consciously notice.
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What a kiss does to your brain
Kissing triggers the release of chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Oxytocin, often referred to as the love hormone, strengthens emotional bonds and trust. These changes can lift mood, reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Physical responses, including improved blood flow, may also contribute to lowering blood pressure.
The hidden health perks and risks of a kiss
Regular kissing can support immunity by exposing the body to harmless bacteria, helping strengthen natural defences. At the same time, infections like colds or flu can spread through close contact, making hygiene an important factor.
Kissing may feel universal, but it is not. Research across 168 cultures shows that only about 46 per cent practise romantic kissing. In several societies, it is seen as unfamiliar or even inappropriate. Sociologist Susan Weiss suggests that in cultures where the body is largely covered, the mouth often becomes a key channel of expression.
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A gesture that strengthens bonds
Kissing remains one of the simplest ways to express affection and gratitude. Regular gestures of closeness are linked to stronger emotional connections between partners.
As Kabir Suman writes,“Place lips on lips and barricade the poetry of love itself, I want only you with the oath of rebellion and kisses.”
In essence, a kiss is both instinctive and layered, shaped by history, biology and culture, yet felt most immediately and humanly.
