This practice likely stems from symbolic traditions in which breath represents life, spirit, or personal essence. Similar concepts are found in various cultural contexts, such as ancient and pre-modern societies where ‘breath’ could be thought to carry virtues or spiritual qualities. The belief may share roots with practices in folk medicine or ritual systems where personality traits were nurtured through physical symbolism or early-life interventions. However, no documented sources firmly trace this specific superstition to a single time or place, suggesting that it may have emerged independently in multiple cultures with strong oral traditions. Historically, acts involving the mouth or breath were often tied to notions of vitality and soul transfer, particularly during early infancy, which was seen as a spiritually sensitive period.