Here's the History of Kissing in the World: It's Been Around Since 4,500 Years Ago

Liputan6.com, Jakarta According to some theories, kissing is considered the ultimate form of love language in a relationship. For some people, kissing is a sacred act. However, have you ever thought about the history of kissing? No one knows for sure when humans first made mouth-to-mouth contact and used it for romance and erotic pleasure.

However, scientists reported in May 2023 that humans have been kissing for at least 4,500 years. "Kissing has been practiced for much longer than we might realize," said the study's lead author, Dr. Troels Pank Arboll.

The researchers referenced these findings from thousands of clay slabs from Mesopotamia that have survived to the present day.

The researchers referenced these findings from thousands of clay slabs from Mesopotamia that have survived to the present day.

"This fascinating case study adds to the growing body of scientific research on romantic or sexual kissing, and helps us understand the origins of kissing in human social behavior and intimate life specifically," said evolutionary biologist Dr. Justin R. Garcia, a professor at Indiana University in Bloomington.

"The experience of romantic and sexual behavior is part of larger patterns of human social behavior," Garcia says.

"Understanding how these behaviors express themselves, change, and evolve helps us better understand who we are today," he continued.

The study authors also revealed that the origins of kissing are deeply rooted in human history and evolution, and its role and significance in ancient cultures likely remain undiscovered. Previously, the oldest recorded evidence of kissing was attributed to the Vedas, a collection of Indian scriptural texts that date back to approximately 1500 BC and form the foundation of Hinduism.

One of the scriptures, the Rig Veda, depicts people touching their lips to each other. Erotic kissing is also shown in great detail in other ancient Indian texts, such as The Kama Sutra, a guide to sexual pleasure dating back to the third century AD. Therefore, modern scientists have concluded that romantic kissing most likely originated in India.

One type of primate, the chimpanzee, also greets each other with kisses. Another primate species, bonobos, also kiss as part of their sexual activities.

"They have intercourse face to face and often perform intensive tongue kissing," wrote primate expert Frans B.M. De Waal.

Researcher Arboll notes that it's possible that kissing evolved in primates to convey a partner's health status through their saliva and breath. On the other hand, kissing is not always about pleasure and romance.

One of the most damaging side effects of kissing is the spread of infectious diseases. According to another study, written in July 2022 by researchers from institutions in Europe, the UK, and Russia, the rapid increase of herpes simplex virus HSV-1 lineages in Europe around 5,000 years ago is linked to the emergence of a sexual kissing culture.