Midnight Smooch: New Year's Eve Kiss History and Hidden Origins

Why do millions of people lock lips the moment the clock strikes twelve? This romantic gesture isn't just a spontaneous act of passion; it's a cultural legacy that has evolved over thousands of years.

New Year's Eve Kiss History: From Roman Orgy to Viking Greetings

According to Reader’s Digest, the origins partly trace back to the Romans and their winter festival called 'Saturnalia.' Celebrated between December 17th and December 23rd, this hedonistic event involved heavy drinking and social kissing as part of the revelry.

However, the transition of the kiss into a New Year's specific greeting is often credited to the Vikings. During their 'Hogmanay' festival, they greeted family and friends with a kiss to wish each other luck for the coming year. It wasn't strictly romantic; it was a ritual of social cohesion.

The German Influence and the Light Bulb Revolution

The tradition likely migrated to America with German immigrants in the 1800s. One of the first printed records in 1863 notes that German revelers passed around 'hearty kisses' at midnight. Americans quickly adopted the practice, making it as essential as a champagne toast.

Surprisingly, the advent of electricity played a major role. Before light bulbs, midnight gatherings were less practical. As electric lighting made late-night parties safer and more common, the opportunity for a shared midnight kiss became a standard part of the celebration.

Other Global New Year's Traditions

• Eating 12 grapes for good luck
• Wearing colored underwear for specific fortunes
• Singing 'Auld Lang Syne' at the stroke of midnight
• Smashing a peppermint pig for prosperity