The origins of kissing have always been obscure, rendered further ambiguous by the fact that not all cultural societies engage in this intimate motion. What inherent or ancestrally learned behavior sparked the act of kissing? We must journey back to our evolutionary roots to discover the unexpected source.
1A Shared Legacy: The Kissing Kin of Primates
Early signals to the roots of kissing can be seen in our brethren primate species: the bonobos and chimpanzees. According to the theory proposed by University of Warwick’s primatologist and evolutionary psychologist, Adriano Lameira, these creatures’ engagement in equivalent actions might hint at the primal purpose of kissing, which is decidedly distasteful to our modern preferences.
Visualize a scene where one primate is meticulously grooming another. Finding mites, dead skin, or other unacceptable material in the fur, they use their mouth, specifically their lips, to swiftly extract it. As grooming became less imperative with evolution, the intimate lip contact endured, morphing into the act we now label as ‘kissing’.
2Interpreting the Evolutionary Whispers
Lameira suggests that the lengthy grooming sessions shared by our primate ancestors gradually shrunk as we progressively lost our hair. Yet, the terminal phase of this ritual, resembling a ‘kiss,’ persevered, representing remnants of a once necessary behavior for reinforcing societal and kinship links. Numerous other theories have attempted to justify the presence of kissing in human behavior, but none are particularly convincing.
For instance, the concept of pre-chewed food sharing between adults and infants falls flat due to the act’s inherent mechanics. Kissing requires a suction action contrasting with the necessary pushing action for food sharing. Similarly, the social interaction theory of ‘sniffing out’ fellow beings seems flawed, as it unnecessarily demands oral activity.
Lameira proposes a theory that positions kissing as a non-verbal method of reassurance. As social organisms, humans, like all primates, create stronger bonds through shared rituals.
3Bonding Over Rituals: The Primate Grooming Paradigm
Grooming, as Lameira points out, is a bit more than a cosmetic procedure. It facilitates the cementing of alliances, hierarchies, and community bonds through touch, allowing the release of endorphins which lower stress and foster a sense of wellbeing, thereby fortifying societal ties. Humans, having long shed their fur, have found alternative cleaning methods, reducing the need for mutual grooming.
However, as a remnant of this grooming ritual, we might have held onto what Lameira refers to as the “groomer’s final kiss”. In spite of grooming becoming less prevalent, the grooming session’s concluding—albeit slightly repugnant—lip-to-skin contact endures.
4Inching Closer to the Modern Kiss: The Evolutionary Journey
Though appearing rather statistically unattractive, the theory of grooming and oral contact seems far more plausible than the rest. Beyond the definitive answer’s reach, we can look toward other primates’ ongoing grooming practices to comprehend the origins of kissing. Lameira insists that attempting to unlock this mystery necessitates thinking about the broader socioecological, cognitive, and communicative context of our ancestors. Cause for reflection – and perhaps a twinge of discomfort – the next time we lock lips with our beloved!
