What is a Kiss with Your Nose Called? Understanding the Kunik
In Western cultures, the affectionate act of rubbing noses is often referred to as an “Eskimo kiss.” This term, however, is a misnomer that simplifies and misrepresents an intimate Inuit greeting known as a kunik. While the modern Western nose-rub is a playful gesture, the kunik is a non-erotic but deeply meaningful expression of affection used by the Inuit people of the Arctic. It involves pressing the nose and upper lip against the skin—often the cheek or forehead—and breathing in, a gesture typically reserved for family members and loved ones. Understanding this distinction is not only a matter of cultural respect but also reveals the diverse ways humans express love and connection through physical affection.
The True Meaning and Practice of Kunik
Among the Inuit, the kunik is an intimate and respectful way to greet someone who is close to you. It's a way to reconnect with their scent, an important sensory element of bonding, especially for those who spend much of their time outdoors with only their faces exposed. The gesture is most commonly seen between parents and children, or between romantic partners. It's a reminder of the strong familial and emotional bonds that tie communities together in harsh environments. The misconception that the practice arose to avoid lips freezing together is a myth, likely fabricated for entertainment by early Western filmmakers. The practice was observed by Western explorers and misrepresented, leading to the inaccurate term “Eskimo kiss”. Today, many Indigenous people consider the term "Eskimo" to be derogatory, making it important to use the correct terminology and cultural context.
The Emotional Health Benefits of Affection
Physical affection, such as hugs, kisses, and the kunik, has significant benefits for emotional and psychological health. When we engage in these loving gestures, our bodies release a host of neurochemicals that promote well-being. Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," is released during affectionate touch and is linked to bonding, trust, and reduced anxiety. Endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, also increase, boosting feelings of pleasure and well-being. These physical displays of affection reinforce social bonds, provide comfort, and strengthen relational ties. The kunik, in particular, emphasizes an intimate, sensory connection, grounding individuals in a moment of emotional security and love. This practice reminds us that not all expressions of affection require words and that simple physical acts can carry profound meaning.
The Kunik in Modern Context
In modern Inuit culture, the kunik remains an important, though private, gesture of affection. As more of the world learns about its true meaning, there is a greater appreciation for the cultural significance behind it. Educational efforts by Indigenous creators, such as Shina Novalinga on TikTok, have helped clarify the real-world practice of the kunik and promote cultural awareness. The spread of this knowledge helps to dismantle stereotypes and build bridges of understanding between different communities. By learning about and respecting gestures like the kunik, we can all become more culturally sensitive and appreciative of the diverse ways humans connect and show affection.
Cultural Comparisons of Affectionate Greetings
While the kunik is a powerful example, many other cultures have unique, non-lip-based affectionate greetings. These traditions often reflect the cultural emphasis on community, family, and respect.
- Hongi (Māori, New Zealand): The hongi is a traditional Māori greeting where two people press their noses and foreheads together. It represents the sharing of the "breath of life" or ha, symbolizing the joining of two spirits into one.
- Honi (Hawaii): Similar to the hongi, the Hawaiian honi involves pressing noses together and sharing breath. It is a sign of respect and deep connection.
- Mongolian Nomads: Some nomadic tribes in the Gobi Desert have a similar practice of nose-kissing as a traditional greeting.
- Bedouins: Certain Bedouin tribes practice a form of nose-kissing, especially among male members of the same tribe, as a sign of greeting and kinship.
The 'Eskimo Kiss' vs. The Kunik
| Feature | Western 'Eskimo Kiss' | Inuit Kunik |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Rubbing the tips of two noses together. | Pressing the nose and upper lip against someone's cheek or forehead and breathing in. |
| Meaning | A casual, playful, or romantic gesture. | A deeply intimate and respectful expression of affection, primarily for family. |
| Origin | A fabrication from a 1922 documentary that perpetuated a myth. | An ancient Inuit tradition tied to familial bonds and reconnecting through scent. |
| Cultural View | Widely used but often associated with a misappropriated term considered insensitive by some. | A respected cultural practice; the term 'Eskimo kiss' is often considered inaccurate and offensive. |
| Tone | Romantic or lighthearted. | Intimate and loving, but non-erotic. |
Conclusion
The phrase "Eskimo kiss" is a simplified and culturally inaccurate term for the intimate Inuit greeting known as the kunik. While the Westernized version involves a light rubbing of noses, the true kunik is a profound, sensory-based expression of affection used primarily within close family circles. It reinforces bonds by bringing loved ones close enough to share scent and breath. Learning the correct term and understanding the deep cultural significance behind it is a small but meaningful step toward fostering greater cultural awareness and respect. The kunik, along with other similar greetings from around the world, serves as a powerful reminder that affection is a universal language expressed in countless beautiful and unique ways. Wikipedia on Eskimo kiss
