Celebrated around the globe each year on July 6th is a charming event known as International Kissing Day. This day is dedicated to the celebration of one of the most personal and affectionate human expressions – the kiss. Apart from the sheer joy and romance, the day brings into focus the health advantages linked to kissing and acknowledges it as a universal symbol of love.
Be it a warm kiss filled with passion, a friendly peck on the cheek, or a tender kiss by a mother on her child’s forehead, International Kissing Day serves as a reminder for everyone to bask in the beauty of this simple, yet deeply meaningful act.
History of International Kissing Day
International Kissing Day, commonly referred to as World Kiss Day, is commemorated every year on the 6th of July. The primary objective of this day is to remind individuals of the simple act of bestowing a kiss, something that is celebrated between not just lovers but also friends, family, and even pets.
The origins of International Kissing Day are not very clear nevertheless many believe it originated from the United Kingdom in the early 2000s and has since been adopted by various cultures throughout the world. There are multiple theories surrounding its origins. Some suggest that dental professionals initiated this day to emphasis the importance of oral hygiene, while others claim that it was put into effect simply to spread love and affection worldwide.
It’s worth noting that International Kissing Day is a distinct celebration, separate from National Kissing Day (celebrated in the USA) and Valentine’s Day, despite their similar themes of love and affection.
Consistent with its increasing popularity year after year, International Kissing Day is now recognized and celebrated internationally. Numerous social and cultural events are organized in many different countries in honor of this day. From a commercial perspective, it’s a day that businesses leverage for marketing purposes across various sectors, including romantic dinners, accommodation, travel, and lip- and mouth-related cosmetic products.
International Kissing Day Timeline
India's Vedic Sanskrit Texts
In the ancient Indian scriptures, kissing was described as inhaling each other's soul.
Homer's Epics
Homer's epics, the 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey', feature kissing among loved ones for greeting and show affection.
Mahabharata Reference
Indian epic Mahabharata describes kissing on lips as a sign of affection.
Christianization and Kissing}
With the spread of Christianity, kisses began to be used in religious rituals and ceremonies.
Romantic Kissing in Literature
In the literature of the middle ages, kiss is portrayed as an act of romantic affection.
Kiss Banned in England
King Henry VI banned kissing in England to prevent the spread of diseases.
Kissing in Shakespeare’s Plays
Shakespeare’s plays often contain references and scenes of characters kissing passionately as an act of romantic expression.
Hollywood and Kissing
Hollywood movies in the 20th Century popularized romantic kissing all around the world.
Ideas to Celebrate International Kissing Day
Throw a Romeo and Juliet Themed Party
Host a party with a romantic, Shakespeare-inspired theme. Encourage everyone to dress like characters from the famous play. You can have a contest for the best costume and possibly for the best fake kiss, maintaining respect and consent from all parties involved.
Watch a Movie Marathon of Iconic Movie Kisses
From 'Gone With The Wind' to 'The Spiderman', gather your friends or family together for a day of cinema, showcasing some of the most iconic movie kisses. You guys can even rate every kiss for fun!
Go on a Romantic Date Night
If you're in a relationship, celebrate International Kissing Day with a romantic date night. This could be a candle-light dinner at your favorite restaurant or a cozy home-cooked meal. The important thing is to make your partner feel special and end the date with a kiss.
Make a Playlist about Kissing
Music is full of references to kissing, from Katy Perry's 'I Kissed a Girl' to Sixpence None The Richer's 'Kiss Me'. Make a fun playlist of all songs about kissing you can find and share it with your friends or loved one.
Spread the Love
International Kissing Day is all about spreading love. Take this day as an opportunity to reach out to your loved ones, family and friends to let them know you appreciate them. A virtual kiss emoji could be a simple way to celebrate.
8 Interesting Facts About Kissing
Kissing for Stress Relief
A passionate kiss is said to release the same chemicals in the brain as skydiving or firing a gun - adrenaline and phenylethylamine, which induce feelings of excitement and happiness. This helps to relieve stress and boost mood.
Origin of 'X' as a Kiss
In the Middle Ages, most people couldn't read or write. They used to sign their names with an 'X' and would kiss this mark as a sign of sincerity. Over time, the 'X' came to be associated with a kiss.
Involuntary Muscle Coordination
While kissing, humans use as many as 146 muscles, including 34 facial muscles and 112 postural muscles.
Longest Recorded Kiss
The longest recorded kiss lasted 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds. It was achieved by Ekkachai Tiranarat and Laksana Tiranarat from Thailand, during an event organized by Ripley's Believe It or Not.
Kissing and Lifespan
According to a study by German physicians and psychologists, men who kissed their wives before leaving for work lived, on average, five years longer than men who didn't.
Philematology
Philematology is the scientific study of kissing.
Categories of Kissing
There are three main categories of kisses - kisses of love, respect and friendship.
Kissing and Tooth Decay
Kissing increases saliva flow, which helps to prevent tooth decay by removing harmful bacteria from the teeth.
International Kissing Day FAQs
Next International Kissing Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 6th | Thursday |
| 2024 | July 6th | Saturday |
| 2025 | July 6th | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 6th | Monday |
| 2027 | July 6th | Tuesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 6th | |
International Kissing Day Word Search
- Kissing
- Lips
- Romance
- Love
- Passion
- Affection