Intro
In this episode of Slow Burn, the podcast Decoder Ring explores the history and evolution of kissing. From its cultural significance to its impact on human behavior and societal norms, this episode delves into the fascinating world of making out.
Main Takeaways
The Cultural Significance of Kissing
- The desire for romantic kisses is often fueled by popular media, such as teen movies.
- Planning and executing the perfect kiss can be a monumental right of passage.
- Kissing is ingrained in our culture and seems like a fact of life, but not all cultures engage in it.
- Kissing can be viewed dispassionately as a practice, rather than a natural instinct.
The Evolution of Kissing
- The history and evolution of kissing can reveal insights into human behavior and societal norms.
- There are many categories of kisses, including affiliative kisses that are about forming social bonds, not necessarily erotic.
- Platonic kissing, like that between a parent and child, is universal and found in every human culture.
- There are also submissive kisses, such as kissing the feet of a ruler, which still exists in some form today.
The Science Behind Kissing
- Kissing is a complex social behavior with various meanings and contexts.
- There are different types of kisses, including religious, greeting, and romantic/sexual.
- The romantic/sexual kiss is a dominant script in our culture and is viewed as a part of courtship.
- Researchers have theories about why we kiss, including to increase intimacy and arousal.
The Origin and Spread of Kissing
- A study by Dr. Justin Garcia and Dr. William Jankowiak found that romantic/sexual kissing is universal in complex state civilizations, but harder to find in smaller societies.
- Only 46% of the 168 cultures studied engaged in romantic sexual kissing.
- Romantic sexual kissing is not genetically hardwired, it’s nurture, not nature.
- Kissing provides sensory information and may help determine whether we want to keep kissing someone.
The Historical Context of Kissing
- A couple discovered that the earliest script in world history, Quneiform, originated around 3200 BCE in modern-day Iraq and Syria, a few hundred years before the pyramids in Egypt.
- Research shows that there was a shift in HSV1 dominance in Europe around 5,000 years ago during the Bronze Age, possibly due to migration and the introduction of romantic sexual kissing.
- The earliest documented evidence of romantic sexual kissing was allegedly from India around 1500 BCE, but ancient Quneiform references to kissing go back 4500 years.
- Quneiform texts contain important slices of ancient life, including personal matters, lawsuits, and erotic literature that describe kissing in relation to intimacy.
The Biology and Anthropology of Kissing
- Bonobos, who share 98% of our DNA, engage in tongue kissing with erections, but it is largely friendly.
- Chimpanzees, who are also closely related to us, do not engage in sexy kissing but kiss in greeting and reconciliation.
- Both behaviors are old, possibly a couple of million years old.
- The types of microbes in our mouth have changed over time as we adapt to different lifestyles, move to different places, eat different foods, and potentially interact with other people.
Summary
The Cultural Significance of Kissing
Kissing holds immense cultural significance, often influenced by popular media and seen as a milestone in relationships. However, not all cultures engage in kissing, and it can be viewed as a practice rather than an instinctive behavior.
The Evolution of Kissing
Kissing has evolved throughout history, revealing insights into human behavior and societal norms. From affiliative kisses that form social bonds to platonic kisses between parents and children, the act of kissing takes on various forms and meanings.
The Science Behind Kissing
Kissing is a complex social behavior with different types of kisses serving different purposes. While romantic/sexual kissing is dominant in our culture and associated with courtship, religious and greeting kisses also exist. Researchers have theories about why we kiss, including its role in increasing intimacy and arousal.
The Origin and Spread of Kissing
Studies have shown that romantic/sexual kissing is universal in complex state civilizations but less prevalent in smaller societies. The origin and spread of kissing are still unclear, but it is evident that kissing provides sensory information and plays a role in determining compatibility.
The Historical Context of Kissing
Ancient texts and archaeological discoveries shed light on the historical context of kissing. The earliest script, Quneiform, includes references to kissing and intimate relationships. Additionally, research suggests that the introduction of romantic sexual kissing may have influenced the spread of diseases like HSV1.
The Biology and Anthropology of Kissing
Our closest relatives, bonobos and chimpanzees, exhibit kissing-like behaviors, albeit with different purposes. The types of microbes in our mouths have changed over time, influenced by our lifestyles, environments, and interactions with others.
Conclusion
Kissing is a universal act that holds different meanings and contexts across cultures. Its history, evolution, and impact on human behavior make it a fascinating subject of study. Whether it’s a romantic gesture, a sign of respect, or a form of bonding, kissing plays a significant role in human relationships and communication.
