A kiss – a simple yet profound gesture of affection that transcends cultures and languages. National Kissing Day celebrates this universal expression of love, highlighting both its emotional significance and surprising health benefits.
Quick Facts
- When is it: June 22 (National) and July 6 (International)
- Tagged as: Day of Love and Affection
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalKissingDay
- When was it founded: Early 2000s
- Who founded it: Originated in the United Kingdom
History of Kissing
The practice of kissing dates back to ancient times. The earliest mentions of kissing appear in Vedic Sanskrit texts. The Romans later popularized it, categorizing kisses into three types: osculum (cheek kiss), savium (passionate kiss), and basium (casual kiss).
Timeline
• Ancient India: First documented kissing in Vedic texts
• 326 BC: Widespread kissing during Alexander the Great’s era
• 1493: King Henry VI temporarily banned kissing
• 1896: First on-screen kiss in “The Kiss” with May Irwin
• 2014: French officially add “gallocher” (French kiss) to dictionary
Dates for Next Years
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June | 22 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June | 22 | Monday |
| 2027 | June | 22 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June | 22 | Thursday |
| 2029 | June | 22 | Friday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by expressing affection through kisses – from romantic lip locks to friendly pecks on the cheek. Some exchange chocolate kisses or share kissing-themed cards and messages.
Fun Facts About Kissing
• Takes 34 facial muscles to kiss
• Burns 26 calories per minute
• Average person spends 20,160 minutes kissing in their lifetime
• A 10-second French kiss exchanges 80 million bacteria
• The longest kiss lasted 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds
Quiz
- How many facial muscles are used in kissing?
- In which year was kissing banned by King Henry VI?
- What’s the French word for French kissing?
(Answers: 1. 34 muscles, 2. 1493, 3. Gallocher)
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between National and International Kissing Day?
A: National Kissing Day is June 22, while International Kissing Day is July 6.
Q: Is it a public holiday?
A: No, but it’s widely celebrated across many countries.
Related Days
• Kiss a Ginger Day (January 12)
• Valentine’s Kiss Day (February 13)
• Kiss and Make Up Day (August 25)
• Kiss of Hope Day (April 28)