What's an Irish kiss?

An Irish kiss is a type of affectionate kiss that involves gently rubbing noses back and forth. It is sometimes referred to as an Eskimo kiss or a butterfly kiss. The Irish kiss is popularly believed to have originated in Ireland, hence the name, though its exact origins are unknown.

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What is an Irish Kiss?

An Irish kiss involves two people gently rubbing the tips of their noses together in an intimate gesture of affection. It does not actually involve touching lips together like a traditional kiss. Instead, the noses touch and rub softly against each other, often going back and forth.

The Irish kiss is similar to an Eskimo kiss, which also involves two people affectionately rubbing their noses together. Some people use the terms Irish kiss and Eskimo kiss interchangeably. However, Irish kiss tends to be more commonly used.

How to Do an Irish Kiss

To perform an Irish kiss:

Stand close, facing your partner.

Incline your head slightly to one side.
Gently touch the tip of your nose to your partner’s.
Lightly rub your noses together, often going back and forth.

Let your noses continue to touch as you gaze affectionately into each other’s eyes.

The key is to be gentle and tender. There should just be soft, affectionate rubbing of the noses and sharing of loving gazes between partners.

Origin and History

The exact origin of the Irish kiss is unknown, though there are a few theories:

Some believe it originated in Ireland, which is how it got its name. Displaying affection by rubbing noses may have been common in ancient Irish culture.
Others theorize it has Eskimo origins. Eskimo kisses likely began as a practical way for Eskimos to show affection while keeping their faces warm with their parkas on. The term Irish kiss may have later derived from Eskimo kiss.
There is a legend that during ancient times in Ireland, when kissing with the lips was banned by law, people found clever ways to continue showing affection, such as by rubbing noses.

While the exact roots are uncertain, the Irish kiss has clearly been around for quite some time as a sweet sign of affection. It continues to capture hearts today due to its tender, romantic nature.

Why Do People Do Irish Kisses?

There are several reasons why Irish kisses are a cherished way for people to share affection:

Intimate but innocent – The Irish kiss allows partners to get cozy and intimate without the intensity or eroticism of a lip kiss. It is an innocent expression of genuine care and fondness.

Playful and sweet – There is something lighthearted, sweet, and playful about rubbing noses. It often elicits smiles and giggles between partners.
Unique way to connect – Unlike a regular kiss, an Irish kiss requires getting close in a unique way, with a tender nose-to-nose touch. This can strengthen bonds between partners.
Versatile – Irish kisses can be used as part of foreplay, as a cute goodbye, or just as a spontaneous affectionate gesture any time. Their versatility adds to their appeal.

Overall, Irish kisses allow partners to feel meaningfully connected in a soft, whimsical way that melts hearts.

Types of Irish Kisses

There are a few fun varieties of Irish kisses that put a spin on the classic nose rub:

Butterfly kiss – This involves fluttering your eyelashes against your partner’s like butterfly wings. Your lower lashes gently caress their upper lashes and vice versa in a very delicate kiss.

Lip-Nose Kiss – One partner rubs their lips softly against the tip of their partner’s nose in an unusual yet cute kiss.
Eskimo kiss – As mentioned, this is essentially the same as an Irish kiss, rubbing noses back and forth.
Double Irish kiss – Partners rub noses, then bring their faces close alongside each other, cheek to cheek, creating the shape of a heart. Very romantic!

Feel free to get creative and try sweet variations like these for added novelty and fun.

Who Can You Irish Kiss?

Irish kisses are generally most common between romantic partners, whether dating partners, spouses, etc. But they can also be appropriate between:

Parents and children

Grandparents and grandchildren
Siblings
Close friends

Essentially, an Irish kiss is fine between family members, very close platonic friends, and romantic partners. Just be sure both people are comfortable with this sign of endearment. And limit Irish kisses to committed relationships rather than using them with casual dates or strangers.

When Can You Use an Irish Kiss?

Irish kisses are versatile and can be used in many situations, such as:

As a greeting – When reuniting with a loved one or saying hello.

When leaving – Give an Irish kiss goodbye when parting ways.
Flirting – Use an Irish kiss while flirting to show interest in a sweet, innocent way.
During foreplay – Lead up to greater intimacy with romantic Irish kisses.

Before separating – Share an Irish kiss before leaving for work or heading different places.
When you miss each other – Reconnect after time apart with an Irish kiss.
Just because! – Exchange Irish kisses spontaneously any time just to express fondness.

An Irish kiss is really appropriate at any time you wish to share a heartwarming moment of affection with someone special.

Significance and Meaning

So what makes the Irish kiss so meaningful? Here are some of the key significances behind this intimate gesture:

Affection – Fundamentally, an Irish kiss is about showing and receiving love and care.

Bonding – Bringing faces close together in a tender Eskimo kiss promotes a sense of closeness and bonding between partners.
Innocence – Unlike lip kisses, Irish kisses have an innocent, childlike quality.
Playfulness – There is something decidedly playful about two people rubbing noses. It brings out people’s inner child.

Tradition – Though the origins are uncertain, Irish kisses connect us to traditions passed down through generations.

The Irish kiss allows partners to be affectionate and strengthen intimacy in a way that is innocent, playful, thoughtful and full of tradition.

Proper Etiquette for an Irish Kiss

To keep the Irish kiss respectful and enjoyable for everyone involved, follow these etiquette tips:

Both people should initiate. Don’t force an Irish kiss on someone.
Read body language and go slowly at first.
Keep it gentle. There should be no hard rubbing or pressing of noses.

Stay centered on the nose tip. Don’t let noses slide around too much.
Keep it brief at first. Give the other person a chance to pull back if desired.
Maintain eye contact while doing it and share smiles.

Laugh together afterward if it gets silly or awkward.
Stick to appropriate relationships like romantic partners or very close platonic friends.

Follow this etiquette, be attentive to your partner’s comfort level, and keep the Irish kiss sweet and meaningful.

Fun Facts About Irish Kisses

Here are some fun trivia facts about Irish kisses that may surprise you:

Scientists believe that Eskimo kissing may have originated as a practical way to keep faces warm when Inuit people’s parkas rubbed together.
There was an old myth in Ireland that if you kissed the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, you’d receive the “gift of gab” or eloquence and skill at flattery.

Legend says during medieval times when kissing was outlawed in Ireland, cheek to cheek rubbing became a common covert sign of affection.
It’s thought that styles of kissing like the Irish kiss evolved when the Catholic church banned open-mouth kissing in the Middle Ages.
Butterfly kisses first became popularized in modern times through the country love song “Butterfly Kisses” released in 1997.

In many cultures rubbing noses is viewed as an intimate but socially acceptable gesture of affection in public.

So the origins of Irish kissing may be practical, religious and invented out of necessity – but they’ve clearly stood the test of time!

Irish Kisses in Pop Culture

Irish kisses have made many pop culture appearances over the years:

In the film Eskimo, starring Ray Mala, Eskimo kisses are featured extensively.
The classic Audrey Hepburn film Charade includes a scene with an Eskimo kiss.
Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley share an Irish kiss in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Irish kisses are seen in anime like Pokemon and Cardcaptor Sakura as a common sign of affection.
The touching song “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle inspired many romantic Irish kisses in the late 90s.
They appear in classic romance novels like those by Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters.

Seeing Irish kisses in movies, books and music has helped ingrain them in pop culture as a timeless symbol of affection.

Conclusion

Whether you call it an Irish kiss, Eskimo kiss, butterfly kiss or nose rub, gently touching noses with a loved one is clearly a beloved way to share intimacy and affection. This innocent, playful gesture has been winning over hearts for generations. Next time you reunite with someone special, try an Irish kiss and let the warmth of this intimate tradition brighten your day.