International Kissing Day

 

What is International Kissing Day?

International Kissing Day, also known as World Kiss Day, is celebrated annually on July 6. It’s a day to celebrate the art and importance of kissing in human relationships—romantic or otherwise.

History & Origin

• Origin: The day originated in the United Kingdom in the early 2000s.

• It was intended to bring attention back to the simple joy of kissing, as an act of love, care, or connection, rather than as something commercial or sexualized.

• The idea quickly spread to other countries and became recognized globally as International Kissing Day.

Purpose of the Day

• To appreciate kisses as expressions of love and emotion.

• To celebrate all kinds of kisses:

  • Romantic kisses between partners

  • Affectionate kisses from family

  • Friendly kisses as greetings (common in many European and South American cultures)

• To move beyond commercial romance, reminding people that small, meaningful gestures matter.

Cultural Significance

• In France, Italy, Spain, and many Middle Eastern and Latin American countries, kissing on the cheek is a common greeting.

• In India, public kissing is still culturally sensitive in many areas, but younger generations are slowly embracing global influences.

• Kisses in Japan and some parts of Asia tend to be more private and less public compared to Western countries.

Fun Facts

• The longest kiss ever recorded lasted 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds (Thailand, 2013 – Guinness World Record).

• The term "philematology" is the scientific study of kissing.

• A kiss can trigger the release of oxytocin (the "love hormone"), dopamine, and serotonin, creating feelings of happiness and bonding.

How People Celebrate

• Sharing kisses with partners, family, or friends

• Sending sweet messages or videos

• Sharing kissing photos and quotes online using hashtags like #KissDay, #InternationalKissingDay, or #WorldKissDay

• Watching romantic movies or reading poetry that celebrates love