Sunday, June 19, 2011

Kissing Spreads Germs . . .

. . . according to what my mother told me when I was growing up. After googling the problem on the Internet, I discovered that she was correct. Scientific studies have suggested that kissing was first introduced as a means to spread germs and build up human immunity to dangerous bacteria before the onset of pregnancy. Saliva contains a healthy amount of immunoglobulin which binds with bacteria and triggers the body to destroy them.

From a social standpoint, the practice of kissing has been around as long as literature. Ancient writings record instances of exchanging kisses that goes far back into antiquity. The Old Testament is full of instances of men and women exchanging kisses. Many legal contracts were not considered to be valid until a kiss was exchanged, thus the practice of a bride and groom kissing after they are pronounced man and wife.

While all of the above is probably accurate, I think writers, Hollywood filmmakers, and kids in middle school have it right when they simply say that it feels good. From a mother’s kiss on a bruised knee to the steamiest kiss in a romance novel, there is something magical about intimate human contact. This is Father’s day. Give those you love a kiss and forget about the looming prospects of a sore throat that might overtake you tomorrow.

Click on the title of this article and it will carry you to 'the kiss seen around the world. Don't miss the video at the bottom of the news report to learn a little more about the event.

2 comments:

~kate said...

"there is something magical about intimate human contact."

Yes there is. And there is no substitute for it.

I wish I could be with my dad today and give him a kiss. Unfortunately, we are a 1,000 miles apart and a virtual kiss via telephone is all I can offer. It's not enough, but it will have to do until we can be together again.

The kiss is always worth the risk when it involves people you love.

Sally A Wolf said...

I would love to give my dad and Grandfather a kiss but both have left us they are alive in our memories and to that I blow a kiss!