Thanking as a gesture is not something which is new. It shall not be fair to date it either because one knows not how old this tradition is. Since time immemorial thanking has been an integral part of human tradition. Alas! In fact, it will not be grotesque (at the expense of sounding euphemistic and melodramatic as well), to state that thanking has been prevalent among animals too. Now wonder, man, who has himself evolved from the blessed apes, has acquired various gestures, which behoove only animals but fit seemingly well into human culture, to thank others around him.

If one has seen channels like National Geographic and Discovery, one must have come across fancy sights of female animals licking their mates and offspring to convey thanks. And why just females, males too convey their hearts out for any niceties doled out to them. This form of licking is of course too barbaric , rather animalistic, to be actually palatable to human acceptance, but, nevertheless it has found its descendant in the form of kissing. Some researchers, in fact, are of the opinion that kissing is one of the most popular methods of expressing a thank you. Be it a simple peck on the cheek or a deep smooch down the lips, kissing is a big hit, no doubt.

Another thanking trait that man has seemingly learnt or acquired from animals is jumping. Yeah, it is nothing surprising! Animals, which flock in herds, often perform a jumping jig around a circular plane to thank the member or members for securing a good feast for them or saving them from a fatal danger from a lurking predator. Humans, perform similar gestures during group events. A common example, in this context is that of sportsmen, especially in team games like cricket, soccer and hockey.