A kiss, the act of touching lips to someone or something, carries diverse cultural meanings. It can convey love, passion, affection, respect, or even serve as a ritualistic or symbolic gesture. Interpretations of a kiss vary greatly based on cultural norms and context, ranging from expressions of romance and sexual attraction to gestures of peace and good luck.
1931: Kissing Scene Causes Film Confiscation in Japan
A kissing scene in a Japanese film caused significant controversy in 1931. When the film premiered in Tokyo, authorities stopped the screening and confiscated the film due to the inclusion of the kiss.
1934: Production Code Limits Kissing in Films
The film industry in 1934 adopted the Production Code, which imposed restrictions on kissing scenes. The code, influenced by religious leaders, aimed to censor "excessive and lustful kissing." As a result, kissing scenes were shortened or cut away, and actors had to adhere to strict guidelines, such as keeping their feet on the ground.
1935: Romance Dominates Film Plots
In 1935, surveys revealed that love was the most prevalent theme in movies, with romance featuring in 95% of films. This dominance of romance led film critics to coin the term "the romantic formula."
1946: American Censors Encourage Kissing Scenes in Japanese Films
Following World War II, American censors encouraged Japanese filmmakers to include kissing scenes in their movies. This push for on-screen intimacy aimed to challenge Japanese norms and promote public displays of affection, which Americans viewed as a sign of openness.
1997: Documented Case of HIV Transmission Through Kissing
In 1997, a rare case of HIV transmission through kissing was documented. The transmission occurred due to both individuals having gum disease, highlighting the extremely low risk of HIV transmission through kissing.
1998: Forced-Tongue Kissing Prosecuted as Rape in the Netherlands
In 1998, the Netherlands took a legal stance against forced-tongue-kissing, prosecuting it as rape.
2007: Public Display of Affection Leads to Fines and Imprisonment in Dubai
In 2007, a couple in Dubai faced legal consequences for kissing and hugging in public. They were fined and sentenced to a month in jail, highlighting the strict regulations surrounding public displays of affection in some cultures.
2017: Dutch Supreme Court Redefines Legal Status of Forced-Tongue Kissing
The Dutch Supreme Court ruled in 2017 to reclassify forced-tongue-kissing. While still illegal, it was deemed a form of sexual assault rather than rape, with a maximum sentence of eight years.
May 2023: Ancient Mesopotamian Texts Reveal 4,500-Year-Old Kissing Practice
In May 2023, research unveiled texts from ancient Mesopotamia suggesting that kissing was a common practice 4,500 years ago.