When did kissing become a universal sign of affection across a wide variety of cultures?

Kiss ing as a universal sign of affection across a wide variety of cultures is a relatively recent phenomenon . While there are some cultures that have used kiss ing as a sign of affection for centuries , it is not a universal practice . In many cultures , physical touch is not as common or as accepted as it is in Western cultures . Additionally , the meaning of kiss ing can vary greatly depending on the culture and context . </s>