BLOG POST #6: The History and Cultural Significance of Kissing Babies: A Journey Through Time and Germs
Hello, fabulous new parents and devoted Fresh Diapie fans!
Gather 'round, grab your favorite snack (preferably something that won't smear all over your clothes when your little one inevitably grabs it), and let’s embark on a hilarious and enlightening journey through the history and cultural significance of kissing babies. Spoiler alert: It's been a wild ride!
Ancient Times: The OG Baby Kissers
Long before we had hashtags like #DontKissTheBaby, people were already smooching those adorable baby cheeks. In ancient Rome, for instance, kissing babies was a common practice believed to bring good luck. Imagine, Roman parents going, “Oh, Jupiter, bless this child!” while planting a big wet one on their unsuspecting tot’s face.
Not to be outdone, ancient Egyptians also had a thing for baby kisses. They believed that kissing a baby would ward off evil spirits. So, if you thought the pharaohs were just into mummies and pyramids, think again—they were all about those baby smooches too.
Medieval Times: The Germs Strike Back
Fast forward to medieval Europe, where the kissing tradition took a turn for the germy. With the Black Plague and all sorts of other delightful diseases running rampant, you’d think people would tone it down on the baby kisses. But no, they doubled down, believing that kissing babies could somehow transfer blessings and health. Oh, the irony!
The Victorian Era: Pucker Up, It’s Polite!
By the Victorian era, kissing babies had become a social norm, almost a duty. Picture this: elegant ladies in their poofy dresses and gentlemen with their top hats, all lining up to kiss every baby in sight. It was the polite thing to do, after all. Babies were probably thinking, “Great, another one...”
Modern Times: The Rise of the Germaphobes
Enter the 20th century, where science began to spoil all the fun with pesky things like “germ theory.” Suddenly, people started realizing that maybe, just maybe, spreading germs to vulnerable little humans wasn’t the best idea. Yet, the urge to kiss those chubby cheeks persisted, leading to an epic battle between old habits and new knowledge.
Around the World: A Cultural Smorgasbord
But hey, not all cultures treat baby kisses the same way. Let’s take a little detour around the globe:
Japan: Here, babies are often cuddled and carried, but kissing isn’t as common. It’s all about that close contact without the lip action.
Italy: Italians, known for their passionate ways, love to shower babies with kisses. It’s a sign of affection and connection, as if saying, “You’re family now!”
India: In some regions, it’s customary to kiss a baby’s feet instead of their face. A sweet way to show love and respect without spreading too many germs.
Africa: Different tribes have different practices, but many believe in the protective power of kissing babies, passing on strength and health from one generation to the next.
The Fresh Diapie Era: Where Humor Meets Hygiene
And now, here we are in the Fresh Diapie era, where we blend ancient traditions with modern sensibilities and a good dose of humor. We know that kissing babies has deep cultural roots, but we also know that keeping our little ones healthy is a top priority. So, how do we balance it?
By making it funny, of course! At Fresh Diapie, we advocate for cheeky (pun intended) ways to show affection without spreading germs. Think air kisses, funny faces, and exaggerated “Mwah!” sounds from a safe distance. Because nothing says “I love you” like respecting a baby’s space—and avoiding a face full of drool.
So, the next time someone leans in to plant a kiss on your baby’s face, feel free to give them a little history lesson. Or better yet, just toss on a Fresh Diapie onesie to your sweet little angel and let it do the talking for you. Trust us, your baby (and their immune system) will thank you.
Stay witty, stay wise, and keep those baby kisses in check!
With love,
Fresh Diapie Social Club
