Although it's a nice way to ring in the new year, the tradition has origins rooted in ancient cultures and superstition. So kissing your partner at the stroke of midnight is meant to indicate that your relationship will be strong throughout 2019. The tradition has also been traced back to the Romans, who would indulge in a booze-fuelled party for the pagan celebration Saturnalia towards the end of December. So some believe that giving someone a smooch at the stroke of midnight is a tamer version of this ancient tradition. Kissing at midnight was also tradition during the Renaissance, when masquerade balls were popular across Europe.

Source: Standard Digital December 31, 2018 12:22 UTC