A New Year's kiss has a very special meaning, check out the origins of this popular tradition.
Remember that episode of Friends when the six main actors agree on who will kiss whom for New Year's Eve kiss?! It's pretty clear that this is something big. Something important. And even in real life he has a New Year's Eve a kiss a very special place. In general, December is associated with many traditions, from holiday mistletoe to decorating the house, but the kiss at midnight is the crowning glory of the whole holiday event.
Where did the New Year's Eve kiss come from?
The exact origin of the tradition is unknown, but there are two possible explanations: Saturnalia in ancient Rome and Hogmanay, a Viking tradition still celebrated at New Year's in Scotland. The Saturnalia took place every year at the winter solstice. This was the biggest party of the ancient Romans, which of course also included drinking and spending the night. Kissing was also included, of course. Since Saturnalia was between December 17 and 23, experts believe that this is how the New Year's kiss began.
The Hogmanay tradition, on the other hand, at least includes a New Year's kiss. But these kisses were shared to greet strangers and friends along with wishes for the New Year.
Why do people kiss on New Year's Eve today?
This kiss is part of English and German folklore. Tradition has it that whoever is with you at midnight predicts what kind of luck you will have for the rest of the year. According to this tradition, a kiss is supposed to prevent a year of loneliness, but these are just superstitions. In modern times, the New Year's Eve kiss is more often seen as a tradition, a custom passed down from generation to generation. In any case, the rule is that the kiss must be consensual.
How long should a New Year's kiss last?
This is best left to your discretion based on the situation. After all, what is acceptable for a New Year's kiss will be something different for a couple who have been together for a long time or for two strangers. But in general, here's a good guideline: keep the kiss as long or as short as is comfortable for both parties.
And another superstition: A kiss at midnight is supposed to strengthen the bond between partners. If a couple does not kiss at midnight, people believe that their bond is not that strong and may fail within a year.
