National Kiss Me Day

Couple sharing a tender kiss on a park bench, surrounded by blooming flowers, wearing casual summer attire.. — National kiss me day illustration

Ah, National Kiss Me Day! A day dedicated to stealing a smooch from your loved ones, or persuading that special someone to pucker up. Whether you're a Casanova or a wallflower, this day is your chance to embrace the power of affection. So grab your chapstick and get ready for some lip-locking action!

When is Kiss Me Day?

It's national kiss me day on the 20th June.

The Origins of National Kiss Me Day

Now, let's delve into the fascinating history of this amorous holiday. National Kiss Me Day emerged from the depths of the internet on June 20, 2015, when it received a whopping 8 mentions online. It quickly gained popularity as people realized its potential for romance and mischief. Whether it was a playful peck on the cheek or a passionate smooch under the mistletoe, National Kiss Me Day became an annual reminder to show your affection.

Internet Sensation or Forgotten Tradition?

While many national days have deep historical roots, National Kiss Me Day is more of an internet sensation than a centuries-old tradition. However, that doesn't make it any less exciting or meaningful. In today's digital age, where trends come and go faster than you can say 'snog,' National Kiss Me Day provides us with a delightful excuse to express our love and affection.

How to Celebrate National Kiss Me Day

Now that you know the backstory, it's time to learn how to celebrate this amorous occasion. Here are a few ideas to set the mood:

Surprise your partner with a passionate kiss at an unexpected moment. Bonus points for style and flair!
Host a kissing booth for a charity event, because who can resist a smooch for a good cause?
Send virtual kisses to your friends and family members via emojis or good old-fashioned text messages. Technology brings us closer, even when we're physically apart.

Did You Know?

Did you know that kissing burns approximately 2-3 calories per minute? So, the more smooches you share on National Kiss Me Day, the closer you are to your calorie-burning goals. Who needs a gym when you have a romance-filled day like this?

History behind the term 'Kiss Me'

17th century

The Origins

The term 'kiss me' originated in the 17th century. The act of kissing has been a part of human culture for centuries, but the specific phrase 'kiss me' started gaining popularity during this period. People began using these words as a verbal expression to indicate their desire for a kiss, whether it was a romantic gesture or simply a friendly interaction.

2000 BCE

Ancient Origins

The concept of kissing can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of its practice dating back to 2000 BCE. In ancient India, the Sanskrit texts known as the Rig Veda mention kisses as a gesture of affection and love. Similarly, ancient Egyptians depicted intimate scenes of couples kissing on their artwork and temple walls.

19th century

Romantic Connotations

In the 19th century, the term 'kiss me' took on stronger romantic connotations. The act of kissing became closely associated with expressions of love and affection. 'Kiss me' began to be used more frequently in romantic literature and poetry, further amplifying its romantic significance. This period marked a shift in the understanding of the phrase, solidifying its role as a symbolic expression of desire and intimacy.

5th Century BCE

Romantic and Mystical Connections

The Greeks and Romans further developed the idea of kissing, infusing it with notions of romance and desire. The Greek epic poems of Homer, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, describe kisses as symbols of both love and passion. In Roman mythology, the god Cupid was portrayed as shooting magical arrows that caused people to fall in love with a single kiss.

9th Century

Christianity and the Holy Kiss

During the Middle Ages, Christian influence played a significant role in shaping the perception of kissing. The Apostle Paul's letters in the New Testament mention a 'holy kiss' as a symbol of affection and greetings between believers. This practice became popular in Christian communities and symbolized love, unity, and peace among brethren.

20th century

Pop Culture Influence

The 20th century brought significant changes to the cultural significance of 'kiss me.' With the rise of Hollywood and popular media, the phrase gained widespread recognition and became a common trope in romantic films and novels. The iconic scene of a couple passionately admitting their love, followed by the romantic request to 'kiss me,' became a prevalent theme in various forms of entertainment. This pop culture influence cemented the phrase's association with love and romance in the collective consciousness.

21st century

Globalized Expression

In the 21st century, the term 'kiss me' has transcended cultural boundaries and found its way into various languages and countries worldwide. With the advent of social media and online communication, people from different cultures and backgrounds have adopted this universal expression of affection. 'Kiss me' stickers, emojis, and hashtags have become popular ways to convey love, friendship, and celebration virtually. The term continues to evolve in today's interconnected world, where people can express their desire for a kiss with a simple message reaching across continents and beyond.

13th Century

Courtly Love and Chivalry

The era of courtly love in the Middle Ages brought a heightened focus on romance, and kissing became an essential element of expressing deep affection between lovers. Inspired by chivalry, knights regarded kissing as a sacred act, often exchanging kisses with their lady loves to demonstrate devotion and honor.

17th Century

The Impact of Literature

With the rise of English literature, the concept of kissing expanded its influence. In the play 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare, the famous balcony scene features the iconic line, 'O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet,' inspiring countless romantic encounters and declarations of love sealed with a kiss.

19th Century

The Victorian Era

The Victorian era marked a time of strict social etiquette, which affected the public perception of kissing. Physical displays of affection, including kissing, were often frowned upon in public. However, behind closed doors, the practice of kissing became more commonplace, shaping intimate relationships and courtship in a more private setting.

20th Century

Kissing in Movies

The early 20th century witnessed the emergence of the film industry, which greatly influenced the cultural significance of kissing worldwide. With the advent of silent movies and later, talkies, on-screen kisses became a captivating spectacle, portraying passion, romance, and desire. Legendary actors, such as Greta Garbo and Rudolph Valentino, created iconic moments with their on-screen kisses, forever etching the image of passionate embraces in popular imagination.

1969

The Kissing Experiment

Psychologist Dr. David H. Givens, in 1969, conducted an experiment known as 'The Kissing Experiment.' He aimed to explore the significance of kissing in human relationships and its impact on emotional bonding. Dr. Givens concluded that kissing serves as a powerful form of non-verbal communication, contributing to the development of intimate connections and strengthening emotional bonds between individuals.

Present

A Universal Symbol of Love

Today, kissing has become an integral part of expressing affection, love, and desire in various cultures worldwide. It symbolizes passion, connection, and intimacy, transcending time, borders, and cultural boundaries. From a peck on the cheek to a passionate embrace, kissing continues to hold a special place in human relationships as a universal language of love.