An Eskimo kiss, also known as a nose kiss, is a type of kiss where two people gently rub their noses together as a sign of affection. It is commonly associated with Inuit and other Arctic peoples. But why is it called an Eskimo kiss? Here we’ll explore the history and origins of this unusual yet endearing gesture.
What is an Eskimo Kiss?
An Eskimo kiss involves two people pressing their noses together and lightly rubbing them back and forth. It is meant as a sweet, affectionate gesture between loving friends, family members, or romantic partners. The motion resembles a butterfly flapping its wings. The noses never actually touch lips directly.
This type of nose kiss serves as a more socially and culturally appropriate public display of affection in Inuit culture than actual lip kisses. The Inuit consider public lip kissing to be inappropriate or rude. The Eskimo kiss allows for warmth and closeness without stepping over cultural boundaries.
Where Did the Term “Eskimo Kiss” Originate?
The term Eskimo kiss was first popularized in the early 20th century. It refers to the Inuit and Yupik peoples indigenous to Alaska, Arctic Canada, parts of Greenland, and far eastern Russia. Eskimo is an umbrella term for these culturally related indigenous groups. Many prefer the term Inuit which means “the people” in their language.
Sources differ on exactly when and where Eskimo kiss originated. According to some accounts, it first appeared in the 1909 bestselling book The Long Labrador Trail by Dillon Wallace. Wallace wrote about an encounter with an Inuit guide:
“Suddenly he turned, grasped me firmly by the shoulders, rubbed noses with me, then as suddenly let me go and chuckled heartily at my surprise.”
Other sources claim the term first appeared a few years later in songs by ragtime composer Ren Shields in 1912 and Irving Berlin in 1914. While the exact origin is unclear, it became a popular phrase in America and Europe in the early 20th century.
The Practice Among Inuit Cultures
Nose kissing has been documented as a traditional practice in Inuit and Arctic indigenous cultures. It serves several purposes:
- A friendly greeting
- An affectionate gesture between parents and children or romantic partners
- A way of sealing an agreement or promise
- An alternative to lip kissing, which traditionally was seen as rude in public
Pressing noses together allowed Inuit people to convey fondness and intimacy while respecting cultural norms. The warmth and closeness provided protection against harsh Arctic climates.
According to anthropologists, the basis was both practical and geographical. Inuit customs developed in isolated Arctic regions so lip kissing was not ideal in frigid cold. Touching noses allowed for warmth and intimacy while keeping lips safely covered.
Is it Really a Kiss?
While called a “kiss,” an Eskimo kiss is not technically considered a real kiss by most definitions. A true kiss involves pressing one’s lips to another person or object. It may be romantic, friendly, or a sign of respect. Nonetheless, the term Eskimo kiss remains widely used despite the misnomer.
Some anthropologists have suggested alternative terms like nose kiss or nose rub to be more accurate. But the phrase Eskimo kiss persists in mainstream vernacular.
Eskimo Kisses Beyond the Arctic
The Eskimo kiss became popularized worldwide in the early 20th century through films, songs, and books. By the 1920s, it had spread across America and Europe as a cutesy sign of affection or greeting, particularly between parents and children. Even as lip kissing lost its taboo status in the Western world, the Eskimo kiss retained innocuous appeal.
Today this unusual ritual is still practiced around the world, from traditional Inuit communities to students in Japan. It continues to appear in global pop culture through movies like The Lion King and books like The Kissing Hand. People find it a playful, innocent way to show fondness in public.
Variations Around the World
Similar nose kissing rituals appear in other cultures globally:
Maori Hongi
Indigenous Maori people of New Zealand press foreheads and noses together when greeting during traditional hongi welcome ceremonies. It was originally used to share the breath of life.
Filipino Buno
Buno is a Filipino kiss where people gently touch the tip of their nose to another person’s cheek. It is used as a goodbye gesture.
Indian Mukha Chumban
In India, friends and relatives may touch their nose tip to another’s as mukha chumban, a common gesture of care.
Western Eskimo Kisses
In the West, Eskimo kissing remains popular between parents and kids. It allows for an affectionate “kiss” without actual lip contact.
So whether it originated in the Arctic or caught on worldwide, the Eskimo kiss endures as a sweet, innocent expression of love and friendship.
Eskimo Kisses in Popular Culture
The Eskimo kiss has made appearances in many iconic movies, TV shows, books, and songs over the past century:
Movies
- The Lion King – Simba rubs noses with his mother Sarabi
- Happy Feet – Emperor penguins greet by touching beaks
- Balto – Rosy rubs noses with the wolf dog Balto
TV Shows
- Full House – The Tanner family Eskimo kiss
- Avatar: The Last Airbender – Aang rubs noses with Appa
- Go Diego Go! – Diego nose-kisses baby animals
Books
- The Kissing Hand – Chester the raccoon kisses his mother’s nose
- Guess How Much I Love You – Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare rub noses
- Storm Boy – The young boy presses noses with his pelican friend Mr. Percival
Songs
- “My Little Eskimo” – Children’s lullaby by Ashley Hall, 2005
- “Eskimo Nose Rub” – Children’s song by Skip Parsons, 1997
- “The Eskimo Song” – By Yip Harburg & Burton Lane, 1947
From classic movies to nursery rhymes, the Eskimo kiss has woven its way into pop culture worldwide.
How to Do an Eskimo Kiss
If you want to try an Eskimo kiss yourself, follow these simple steps:
- Stand close so your faces are just inches apart
- Lean in slowly until the tip of your nose lightly touches the other person’s
- Rub your nose back and forth gently against theirs
- Let your noses touch and criss-cross for a few seconds
- Pull back slowly, smile, and voila! You’ve shared an Eskimo kiss
Some tips to get the move right:
- Go in slowly so you don’t bump noses too hard
- Close your eyes and tilt to the side slightly so your noses align
- Use light pressure, just the weight of your head leaning in
- Rub gently, don’t twist your head from side to side
- Make it brief, just a few seconds of contact
Now you can try this playful gesture with loved ones – it’s quirky, sweet, and suitable for all ages!
The Significance of the Eskimo Kiss Today
While originating in ancient Inuit tradition, today the Eskimo kiss appeals to people worldwide. Its significance includes:
- A universal sign of affection and friendship
- A cute, public-friendly alternative to lip kisses
- A fun gesture popularized by movies and pop culture
- A reminder of historical indigenous Arctic cultures
- A unique bonding ritual that creates moments of closeness
This quirky ritual allows people to show love while respecting cultural norms. The Eskimo kiss creates sweet moments of intimacy and innocence across generations.
Conclusion
The Eskimo kiss has an intriguing origin based in Inuit culture, but spread joy around the world. This light nose rub conveys affection without transgressing cultural boundaries. It brings people together through adorable, innocent moments of connection. So pucker up your nose next time you greet family or friends for a playful gesture of love.