Kiss Facts for Kids

A Little Coaxing A painting by William Bouguereau (1890)

People often kiss each other. This usually means touching with their lips and mouth. But a kiss can mean many different things! Its meaning can also change depending on the culture or country. Most often, people kiss to show love or affection. Sometimes it's a sign of friendship. Other times, it's a special way to greet someone.

What is Kissing?
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What is Kissing?

A kiss is a gesture. It can be formal, symbolic, or social. Throughout history, kissing has shown devotion, respect, or a greeting. For example, people might kiss a temple floor. They might also kiss a religious book or icon. This shows their strong belief.

Kisses Through Time

Kissing has been important for a long time. In modern times, it is still common. A bride and groom often kiss at the end of a wedding. National leaders might kiss each other when they meet. This shows a friendly greeting between countries. There are many other times when people kiss.

Different Ways to Kiss

There are many ways people kiss. Each way can have a different meaning.

Cheek Kisses

People might kiss on the cheeks. This is often done to greet someone. It can also be a way to say goodbye. In many cultures, a cheek kiss does not mean love. It is more about politeness or friendship. For example, in Paris, friends might do a quick "air kiss." They touch cheeks but their lips do not touch the skin. This is a common way for female friends to greet each other.

Hand Kisses

Sometimes, people kiss a person's hand. This is often a sign of respect. For example, a man might gently kiss a woman's hand. This is a traditional way to show politeness. It is less common today but still happens.

Lip Kisses

Kissing on the lips can show deep affection. It is often a sign of love between family members or partners. Sometimes, it is part of a special event. For instance, a kiss might be part of a wedding ceremony.

Staying Healthy When Kissing

When people kiss on the lips, some germs can spread. These germs are usually in saliva. For example, some viruses can cause illnesses like "mono." This is sometimes called the "kissing disease." Another virus can cause herpes simplex, which are cold sores.

It is very rare to get serious infections like HIV from kissing. This is because HIV is usually spread through blood, not saliva. In one rare case, an HIV infection happened through kissing. But both people had gum disease. This meant blood was present, which allowed the virus to spread. Generally, kissing is safe. It is good to practice good hygiene.

Images for kids

Kiss on the crucifix in Catholicism
Denis Thatcher, husband of Margaret Thatcher, kissing the hand of Nancy Reagan wife of Former US President in 1988
Kissing the Blarney Stone
Man kissing the ground after a long sea voyage (as part of a reenactment of the first landing of English settlers in Virginia in 1607)
Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Christopher O'Neill kiss each other after their wedding, 2013
The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio (c. 1602) depicts Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss as a signal to arrest Jesus.
This woodcut of the practice of kissing the Pope's toe is from Passionary of the Christ and Antichrist by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Black-tailed prairie dogs "kissing." Prairie dogs use a nuzzle of this variety to greet their relatives.
The Kiss by Francesco Hayez (1859)
The Last Kiss (1931 film)

Kiss facts for kids

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