Kissing Under the Mistletoe

The Ancient Celts used mistletoe as an animal aphrodisiac, or more specifically, to increase the fertility of sheep. Such became the mythic power of mistletoe that in addition to bringing a lamb-ful spring, mistletoe was hung over doorways to ward off fire, lightning, and evil spirits. Despite its protective properties, mistletoe couldn't shuck its fertile past, and even though it was hung in people's doorways, it seemed as if something romantic should occur in its presence. Thus the kissing.

Did you know that mistletoe's power runs out? Every time a man steals a kiss under the mistletoe, he must pay by plucking one of its berries. When the berries are gone, no more smooching.

Kissing Facts

Human lips are different from most other animals, because they are everted, meaning that they purse outward.

Great apes press their lips together to express excitement, affection, or reconciliation.

Scientists are not sure why humans kiss, but some think it might actually be a learned behavior. I wonder where these people went to school.

The Roman military introduced kissing to many non-kissing cultures.

The earliest literary evidence for kissing comes from Sanskrit texts, written 1,000 to 2,000 years ago. One mentions lovers setting mouth to mouth.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of desire and reward, spikes in response to novel experiences, which explains why a kiss with someone new can feel so special. Kissing reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, thereby lowering blood pressure and optimizing immune response.

A passionate kiss makes our pupils dilate.

Men are far more likely to prefer sloppy tongue kisses than women.

Women pay much closer attention than men do to the breath and teeth of their partner.

The last fact most of us already know - It's fun.