Did you know that the modern kissing practices between husbands and wives started in Ancient Rome? Back then, female Romans were fond of drinking homemade wines. Their husbands, in order to catch them, tasted the lips of their wives; thus, the act of modern kissing is born.

Here are a few fun facts about kissing:

• Nose Kiss – Ancient Egyptians used their noses to kiss instead of their mouths.
• 20 to 30 calories – That’s how many you burn after kissing for one minute.
• 30 Facial Muscles – That’s the number of facial muscles utilised while kissing.
• 5,300 couples – That’s the estimated number of couples in the Philippines who were kissing simultaneously during ‘Lovapalooza’ on February 14, 2005.
• 31.3 hours – That’s the longest recorded time for kissing, set in 2004 by an Italian couple.
• A Tsar’s kiss – This is reportedly the highest regard you’ll get in Russia.
• Philematology – That’s the term for the art or science of kissing.
• Kiss on the Hand – This is famous English etiquette, and planting kisses on both cheeks is a Continental European greeting even today.
• Kiss on the ground – This is what the tribes of Africa do on the path after their chief has walked upon it.
• 278 bacteria – This is how many different types of bacteria you can acquire and transfer while kissing. (depending on what you last ate)

These are only a few of the many fun facts about kissing. Most people would agree that kissing is more special if the purpose behind the act is to convey the message of affection to your loved-one.

This article first appeared on HowtoKiss.com.sg, a micro site belonging to Eros Coaching.

Dr. Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexologist with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality. She provides sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conducts sexual education workshops and speaks at public events. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com or email drmarthalee@eroscoaching.com.