Human beings have multiple ways of manifesting their emotions. In addition to words, our nonverbal communication is another way to show others how we feel about them. Hugs, kisses, caresses… are different ways of doing so.
Of all these expressions of affection, the most significant is the kiss.. Depending on how this kiss is given, it means different things. On the mouth, on the cheek, on the hand, on the neck… each kiss expresses something different. So what exactly does it mean to give a kiss on the forehead?
- Recommended article: “The 12 types of kisses to give your partner and make her fall in love”.
Do you know what a kiss on the forehead means?
The kiss is a manifestation of affection typical of human beings. Although the origin of this expression of affection is not completely certain, it is believed that it comes from the instinctive action of the mother with her child to show her love.
However, today, kissing is commonplace and each type of kiss expresses something different. They can have a sexual, fraternal, condescending, empathetic or understanding connotation. But a kiss on someone’s forehead can have different meanings and intentions..
Origin of the kiss
The earliest official records of kissing date back to India.. Drawings were found on the walls of the temples of Khajuraho where people can clearly be seen kissing. They are said to date back to 2,500 B.C. and are considered to be the first appearance of the kiss as a manifestation of a feeling.
In addition to this, the sacred book of the Kamasutra also had clear references to kissing as a manifestation of sexual practices. It is believed that this practice, that of giving kisses to loved ones, arrived in Europe during the invasions of Alexander the Great. Although in the Odyssey it is also referred to as a symbol of affection.
Culture and kissing
However, although the kiss has historical presence and it is known that since man began to live in socialization exists, in each era and culture it has meant different things and has been used to express different things than it is used today.. This is that it has not always been an expression of couple or brotherly love.
Persian men kissed each other to close deals or pacts, and it could only take place between subjects of the same social level. In Italy, during the Middle Ages, when a man kissed a woman in public, he was obliged to marry her so as not to consider her dishonored.
In the Celtic culture, kisses had healing powers and were used exclusively for this purpose. It was during the industrial revolution that kissing began to have sexual connotations and was therefore excluded from private spaces. That is to say, a kiss could not be given in public because it was considered equivalent to a sexual relationship, and therefore something obscene.
It was not until the 19th century when, thanks to romanticism, the kiss came back into the public eye as an artistic manifestation, which took away a little of the obscene nature of the kiss.This took away some of the stigma and mystery, although it was still not a practice well seen to be performed in public. Until in the twentieth century artistic manifestations retake it with great force and begins to lose its private sense.
This is how we arrived at the present time, a time when a kiss on the cheek, neck, mouth or hand, is not the object of reproachful looks or moral offenses. On the contrary, it is an open manifestation of affection, sometimes of a sexual nature and sometimes totally affectionate between parents, children, friends or family. But… what does a kiss on the forehead mean?
A kiss on the forehead: possible meanings
Suddenly someone gives you a kiss on the forehead and you wonder what it might mean.. Because it is not the same as a stolen kiss on the mouth, which clearly shows the other person’s desire to get closer to you in a more intimate way and, by way of surprise, throws the kiss on the lips, which becomes a frank declaration of attraction.
A kiss on the cheek can be an affectionate and friendly greeting, as a courtesy, or a manifestation of brotherly affection between parents and children, friends or family. It is a way to generate more trust. In some countries it is more common than in others, the greeting accompanied by a kiss on the cheek even between strangers.
On the other hand, the kiss on the neck is undoubtedly a hint of intimacy. It is a clearer expression of physical attraction, usually considered a way of saying, without words, that you would like to go a little further with that person. A quick, discreet kiss on the neck is for when you meet in public. A long, passionate kiss on the neck is usually practiced more in private.
A kiss on the hand is a clear sign of admiration and respect. When kissing someone’s hand, you have to bow in front of it, that is why it is customary to give it when you are in the presence of someone who generates a lot of respect. For this reason, the most common is that the kiss on the hand is given to older people or people with important investitures.
So… what does it mean to kiss someone on the forehead? It is perhaps one of the most genuine demonstrations of affection, which goes beyond physical attraction and is not just a kiss out of kindness. and that is not just a kiss out of kindness. There is a higher level of trust and intimacy, but it also has a clear message for the one who receives it.
A kiss on the forehead shows respect, admiration, but above all, it is a way of expressing that you are there to protect and accompany the person.. A kiss on the forehead tucks and covers, it shows that the person is there for whatever is needed. It is a kiss given by fathers or mothers to their children, but it is also given between couples as a commitment of union and mutual and unconditional support.
Perhaps the kiss on the forehead is one of the most emotional ways to show someone, without words, that we are willing to accompany and protect, to comfort and tuck the other regardless of the circumstances. And in the case of couples or friends, when one kisses the other on the forehead it is a demonstration of love and brotherhood that goes beyond sexual desire or physical attraction. That is why it is said that a kiss on the forehead is the most sincere kiss that can be given.