Kissing games and Forfeits
- Postman’s Knock
- Kiss Your Own Shadow
- Kiss the One You Love (Without Anyone’s Knowing It)
- Kiss the Candlestick
- Kiss the Monkey
- Kiss the Nun
- While I could imagine Mr. Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam and even Captain Wentworth playing some of these games, I cannot see Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightly doing so. What do you think?
Kissing games, which could also be used as forfeits, were definitely popular in Jane Austen’s day.
They definitely do not fit the proper and straight-laced stereotype that some see the Regency Era through.
Viewed though a modern eye though, I think they look very, very different. I’m not sure I’d recommend playing any of these today—even though kissing hands or blowing kisses was allowed. It is interesting to consider, though, the sort of mischief that could be wrought with these games in the right—or wrong company. Can you imagine Lydia Bennet playing some of these?
Postman’s Knock
The postman stands outside the room and knocks. A player answers and asks the postman if he or she has a letter for someone and how many pennies (kisses) it will cost to get the letter. The postman responds with a name and a number. The named player joins the postman outside the room, delivers said kisses, and becomes the next postman.
Kiss Your Own Shadow
The player performing is to kiss his or her shadow—anywhere it falls. The key, of course, is in making it fall when one wishes.
Kiss the One You Love (Without Anyone’s Knowing It)
This was mostly used as a forfeit and required the player to kiss the people they really wanted to kiss, without revealing their identity. Generally, this meant kissing every man/woman in the room.
Kiss the Candlestick
Also often a forfeit, a lady would try to kiss a candlestick held by a gentleman who might quickly put himself between the lady and the candlestick.
Kiss the Monkey
Another commonly used as a forfeit, Kissing the Monkey required a lady and gentleman to kneel on the floor, back to back, perhaps with elbows intertwined and from that position, kiss.
Kiss the Nun
Similar to the previous forfeit, in this case, a kiss would be attempted though the back of a chair. Needless to say, much depended upon the design of the chair involved.
What can I say? We had a game called ‘spin the bottle’ when I was growing up. I can’t throw shade toward any of the unusual antics of the Regency group. I suppose it was all in fun. However, I would be very unhappy if Mr. Collins was included in the group. EW!! I suppose this is when you are VERY careful with your guest list. LOL! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year.
Like Jeanne we used to play Spin the Bottle, we also played Postman’s Knock! None of the others though. I’m not sure if they were still played last year but I certainly hope they weren’t this year!
We never played any kissing games while I was growing up. I cannot imagine a better way to spread germs. And I know of some with bad breath that I would never want to put my face close to much less kiss.
Sweet alcohols will help disguise bad breath! 😀
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