NYE Kiss Tradition

It's all anyone wants to know and the question on everyones lips.. who will you be kissing at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve?

For some, it's the highlight of their night, or even their year and it's all real thought out moment. Whereas for others, they're just there to have fun and drink as much as possible. But why has this become such a big thing? Does it date back to ancient traditions, or has it become some sort of marketing tool during the festive period?

Well, here's your answer...

It all started with the Ancient Romans. During the end of December, they would celebrate the winter solstice by throwing extravagant parties for the Festival of Saturnalia, and part of this was to kiss your nearest and dearest as much as possible.

Then from there, the tradition travelled to the Middle Ages in Europe, specifically Germany and England. It was believed that the first person you saw at the very start of the year, would set the tone for the next twelve months - so, to be safe they would keep loved ones close by when the countdown begun.

The Europeans also would hold masked balls to celebrate the New Year. The masks were thought to symbolise evil spirits from the previous year and the kiss at midnight - and removing the mask - is seen as an act of purification.

And that's not the only superstition. Some believe that kissing loved ones will strengthen the bonds of your relationship for the year to come. Whereas, others, see that if you don't lock lips with someone or even your partner, then you could be in for a year of 'coldness' and 'loneliness'.

Further popularised by the silver screen and the media, it would seem that people began to become set on having someone to kiss on NYE. Films, such as Bridget Jones, where her and Darcy, are brought back together, or classic When Harry Met Sally and New Year's Eve, which is basically all about who to kiss at midnight, have helped to add to the night's expectations. Where realistically, it might not be this great kiss you see in movies, chances are you'll be too tipsy to remember the next day. 

But it's still a great tradition and one we shouldn't lose.