History of Kiss in Timeline

A kiss is the act of touching or pressing one's lips against another entity, be it a person, animal, or object. Its cultural meanings are diverse, reflecting a range of emotions like love, passion, affection, respect, greeting, or good luck. Kisses can also serve as ritualistic or symbolic gestures of devotion or reverence, varying significantly based on cultural norms and specific contexts.

1931: Kissing Scene Censored in Japan

In 1931, a kissing scene in a Japanese film was censored, leading to the film's confiscation after its premiere in Tokyo.

1934: Production Code Limits Kissing in Films

In 1934, the Production Code, influenced by Will Hays and religious leaders, was established, limiting "excessive and lustful kissing" in films. Kissing scenes were shortened, and actors had to keep their feet on the ground, impacting how romance was portrayed in cinema.

1935: Love as a Dominant Theme in Movies

In 1935, surveys indicated that love was the most important theme in movies, with 95% of films having romance as a primary plot line.

1946: American Censors Mandate Kissing Scene in Japanese Film

During the American occupation of Japan in 1946, an American censor required a Japanese film to include a kissing scene to encourage public displays of affection.

1997: Documented Case of HIV Transmission via Kissing

In 1997, there was a documented case of HIV transmission via kissing, where both individuals had gum disease, and transmission occurred through blood, not saliva.

1998: Forced-Tongue-Kissing Prosecuted as Rape in the Netherlands

From 1998, forced-tongue-kissing was prosecuted as rape in the Netherlands.

2007: Jail Sentence for Public Kissing in Dubai

In 2007, two people in Dubai were fined and jailed for a month for kissing and hugging in public.

2017: Dutch Court Reclassifies Forced-Tongue-Kissing

In 2017, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled that forced-tongue-kissing should be viewed as sexual assault instead of rape, carrying a maximum eight-year prison sentence.