By BrainFall Staff - Updated: October 21, 2015
Do you have a looming love interest or will the night be as random as the New Year is? Take this quiz to see who you should kiss when the clock strikes 12!
Who Should You Kiss At Midnight?
As the clock ticks closer to the strike of twelve on New Year's Eve, you might find yourself scanning the room for someone to lock lips with. It's not just about following tradition; the midnight kiss is said to set the tone for your love life in the upcoming year. Now, you don't want to plant a smooch on just anyone. It should be meaningful, right? Maybe it's that crush you've been too shy to talk to or your significant other who's been by your side through thick and thin.
Picture it: the confetti, the cheering, and that all-important kiss as you plunge into the new year—it's the stuff of rom-com dreams. But let's face it, if you end up kissing your best friend's dog because, well, options were limited, you're probably going to have a year full of slobbery affection and doggie treats—and not much else. So it's crucial to choose wisely!
Whether you're eyeing someone special or just want to keep it light and fun, the New Year's Eve midnight kiss can be a playful nod to letting go of the old and embracing what's to come. It's about connection, a dash of superstition, and initiating the festivities that follow. And if you're wondering who the perfect candidate for your New Year's Eve smooch might be, why not take a moment to discover who you're destined to kiss when the ball drops? After all, New Year's Eve is the best excuse to pucker up and perhaps, find a new tradition to look forward to each year.
The Mysterious Origins of the Midnight Smooch
You might think locking lips as the ball drops is just a fun way to start off a new year, but there's more to this quirky tradition than meets the eye—or the lips! Let's pucker up and peck through history, shall we?
Tales from the Times of Yore
Once upon a time, Saturnalia — an ancient Roman festival — might have set the stage for what you'd call your New Year's Eve make-out marathon. Think of it as a rowdy winter shindig where boundaries blurred, and a smooch here and there was just one of the wild things happening between December 17 and 23. No wonder the Romans were on to something good!
Now, German folklore whispers of a superstition that's stuck around: Miss that magical midnight kiss, and you're in for a year’s drought of romance. Yikes! Just think of a year devoid of flirty text exchanges! German immigrants carried this belief with them, weaving it into the fabric of American culture.
Cultural Chronicles: Beyond the West
Cast your gaze northwards to the misty lands of Scotland, where Hogmanay (that's Scottish for "last day of the year") celebrations include a tradition of planting a smacker on everyone in sight at midnight. It's less about finding your true love and more about sharing good cheer (and maybe a wee dram of whiskey).
In New York, a classic slice of cinema, The Godfather: Part II, features a New Year's scene of a kiss that's anything but romantic but unforgettable all the same. It goes to show that in the tapestry of traditions threading through various cultures, a New Year's kiss can mean different things—from warding off a lonely love life to sealing deals you can't refuse.
So, when the countdown concludes, look to your left, glance to your right, and choose wisely who you'll grant the honor of a New Year's kiss. Will it be a nod to ancient Roman revelry, a bid to keep the Scottish joviality alive, or a superstition-squashing peck to ensure 365 days of love? The choice is yours, but choose quickly, the moment is fleeting, just like that glass of bubbly hinting it's almost time. Cheers to a smooch steeped in mystery and merriment!
The Modern-Day Midnight Kiss Conundrum
As the clock ticks down to the New Year, you're faced with a decision that could potentially set the tone for the next 365 days: who gets the honor of your celebratory smooch? Get ready for a cheeky guide through the labyrinth of lip-locking logistics.
Solo or Smitten: A Guide for All
So, you're either riding solo or snug in a relationship when the ball drops. If you're single, fear not; the New Year's kiss doesn't spell doom for those without a plus one. In fact, it presents a prime opportunity to plant one on a crush or a friendly nearby reveler. Remember, it's not about love or relationships; it's about fun, good luck, and maybe striking up something new. But keep it classy – if you wouldn't smooch them under the mistletoe, maybe skip the new year's peck.
For those smitten kittens in a relationship, cozying up to your sweetheart when the clock strikes twelve is practically a reflex. It's a chance to celebrate another year's journey together and to hope for continued happiness. But hey, if you find yourself at a crowded party and accidentally kiss the coat rack, we'll let it slide – it's almost human-shaped.
To Kiss or Not to Kiss: That Is the Question
The conundrum deepens for those pondering the midnight kiss. Is it a must-do ritual? If you ask the ancient Romans, they'd probably say yes—it was all about entertaining and good fortune for them (though they could be a rowdy bunch). Fast forward to today, and some say it's more about not feeling the sting of loneliness while everyone else locks lips. But let's be real – it's COVID-times, and you might just want to air-kiss from a safe distance or blow kisses to your fellow partygoers, even to strangers.
Online dating might provide a solution to the cuffing season rush, but remember, not every Tinder date deserves to kick off your New Year. So, if the thought of puckering up stresses you out, there's no shame in fist-bumping your way into January. After all, it's supposed to be about good vibes and new beginnings, whether that's with lip balm or hand sanitizer at the ready.
And if you're still flummoxed by this festive face-smushing tradition, why not leave it to fate? Take the Who Should You Kiss At Midnight quiz on BrainFall to reveal your ideal smooch partner when the ball drops. Laugh it up, it's all in good fun!