I have no idea how, but my class (not really, only Angela) suddenly asked about the origins of french kissing. As I also had no clue about it, I became really curious. After much research, this is my conclusion.

There are so many different ways to kiss – from the flirty butterfly kiss to the steamy French kiss – that we often overlook the true meaning behind them. How did our ancient ancestors originally learn how to kiss and what did it mean to them?

“Going beyond the direct physical effects kissing can evoke, there is more to kissing than meets the lips,” said Michael Christian, author of The Art of Kissing.

Although it is impossible to pinpoint exactly when our ancestors kissed for the first time, anthropologists have found ancient artifacts from India, dating back to 1500 B.C., that document kissing. Some anthropologists claim kissing’s origins can be traced back to a primitive era when mothers chewed food and placed it directly into the baby’s mouth. Other anthropologists say various cultures believed uniting the mouths symbolized a deep fusion between two souls.

As the years progressed and cultures became more refined, kissing’s complexity increased. Ancient Romans kissed sacred items and statues to indicate respect. In feudal times, kissing symbolized sealing a deal. For example, when a vassal was bound to the overlord, he knelt before his feudal lord and awaited a kiss to signify his servitude. And in the 6th century, France was first to accept kissing in courtship. To convey mutual affection, each dance closed with a kiss.

And alas, the French Kiss. Most people incorrectly assume the term “French Kiss” originated in France. Actually, the term entered the English language in 1923 as a slur on the French culture (which was then deemed infatuated with sexual matters). In the French language, there is no such thing as a “French kiss” – the French prefer to call it a “tongue kiss” or “soul kissing.”

There you have it! The origins of French Kissing.