By No matter what type of kiss you prefer, International Kissing Day on July 6 is the perfect time of year to celebrate this simple yet powerful gesture. From French kisses and a formal kiss on the cheek to a hello kiss and a kiss goodbye, kissing is an age-old practice with meaning stretching far beyond romance.
There are as many types of kisses as there are people who need to get away, and who doesn’t love a good kiss? Whether it’s a quick, friendly peck on the cheek between friends or a long, passionate tongue flick between new partners, International Kissing Day celebrates this most enjoyable of activities and the role it plays in cultures around the world. If you haven’t already shown your partner how much you enjoy them, perhaps International Kissing Day is your chance to kiss them back!
What is the goal of International Kissing Day?
Give your partner a hickey or your loved ones a quick peck on the cheek, right? Sure, they’re great ways to take part in International Kissing Day (not that the over-45s need an apology!), but that’s not the reason behind the event.
The art of closing the lips has stats that are easy to overlook in the rush to collect as many kisses as possible. A kiss isn’t just romantic — it’s a token of affection that reminds people that you care. 40% of people say their TV screen is their most important companion, so a kiss is more important than ever.
Let’s not forget about the health benefits, too. Mental health is a big deal, but so is physical well-being. Strangely and wonderfully, kissing can burn up to 6.4 calories per minute. It certainly beats peacocks at the gym!
Last but not least, it transcends cultural norms. Everyone loves a kiss, regardless of country and custom. Who knows? You might meet a friend for life on International Kissing Day.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL KISSING DAY
If we go back in time, we can thank the Romans for the widespread practice of kissing in Europe. They described kissing in three forms: the osculum (a gentle peck on the cheek), the basium (a loving kiss on the lips), and the savium (the most passionate of all kisses on the mouth). In Roman society, when, where, and how to kiss someone was an important indicator of social status.
The term “French kiss” was most likely coined by American and British soldiers in France during World War I, who noted that Gallic women were more open to using the passionate technique than their American and British counterparts. While the French were clearly not the first to dabble in French kissing, it seems only fitting that they were given credit for it by the amorous enthusiasm of French lovers a century ago.
Interestingly, until recently, the French didn’t have a specific word for the famous mouth on mouth. The verb galocher, defined as ‘to kiss with tongues’, was added to a popular but unofficial French dictionary, Le Petit Robert, in 2014. French kissing is so popular these days that a team of Japanese researchers recently invented a French kissing machine that allows couples who are separated to connect using straw-like devices that work through a computer.
International Kissing Day itself isn’t just about French kissing, it’s about bringing people together in general. The main idea behind this was that so many people have forgotten the simple pleasures that come with kissing for the sake of kissing as opposed to kissing as a mere social formality. Kissing can be a pleasurable experience in and of itself and is an expression of love and intimacy.
SCHEDULE FOR INTERNATIONAL KISSING DAY
Hershey’s Kisses – 1907
Hershey’s Kiss was introduced for the first time. By 1921, each Hershey’s Kiss was wrapped and stamped by hand.
French Kiss – 1918
American soldiers stationed in France encountered brave French women and came up with the term “French kiss”.
Rock ‘n’ roll all night – 1973
American heavy metal rock band Kiss was formed in New York City.
But did you know that when it snows – 1994
Singer-songwriter Seal released his iconic song “Kiss From a Rose”
TRADITIONS OF THE DAY
The art of kissing transcends cultural norms. No matter what country or customs one belongs to, kissing is celebrated as an enjoyable activity. Whether it’s a tender peck on the cheek or a deep, passionate kiss between lovers, International Kissing Day is all about expressing love through kisses.
Don’t hold back today! Kiss your partner good morning and plant more of them throughout the day. Ladies, greet your gang of girls with kisses on the cheeks, and, boys, kiss your mother or sister affectionately on the forehead. Kisses on the back of the hand are underestimated, so why not “spread them out” as well. There are countless ways to kiss, romantic or otherwise. So pull yourself together!
INTERNATIONAL KISSING DAY ACTIVITIES
International Kissing Day Kiss someone you love
Whether it’s your significant other, your mom, or your best friend, remind someone how much you love them with a kiss. Remember, even if you want to kiss someone, it doesn’t mean they want you to kiss you — stay consensual.
Snack on Hershey’s Kisses
Did you know that Hershey’s Kisses goes perfectly with your pursed lips? Though no one knows exactly why they’re called Hershey’s Kisses, legend has it they were named for the sound the chocolate makes as it falls onto the conveyor belt. How romantic!
Kiss everyone on both cheeks
In many cultures (especially France) it is customary to kiss people once on both cheeks as a greeting. Try it on your friends and colleagues. But please only peck – no tongue!
WHY WE LOVE INTERNATIONAL KISSING DAY
It’s a full face workout
Did you know that French kissing engages all 34 facial muscles, while a simple kiss only involves two? Who needs the gym when a smooch session gets our hearts pumping and our muscles working?
Kissing makes you happy and relieves stress
Kissing serves as a natural relaxant that makes us feel happy and at peace. By stimulating our brain to release feel-good chemicals, kissing makes us feel calm and excited at the same time.
Kissing transcends language and culture boundaries
Kissing is an intercultural form of communication that means the same thing in every country – regardless of language, ethnicity or religion. issing allows you to communicate complex emotions without having to exchange words with your kissing partner.
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