National Kisssing Day

Young couple sharing a passionate kiss at sunset on a beach, dressed in trendy and romantic fashion, with a picturesque seaside setting.. — National kisssing day illustration

Ah, National Kissing Day. A day where love is in the air and lips are puckered up. Whether you're kissing your loved ones, your favorite food, or even your sports team, this day is all about spreading the love and smooching to your heart's content.

When is Kisssing Day?

It's national kisssing day on the 6th July.

A Brief History of National Kissing Day

National Kissing Day, also known as National Kiss Day, has its origins in the ancient art of affectionate lip-locking. Humans have been engaging in kissing since time immemorial, with references to mouth-to-mouth contact found as far back as ancient Greece and Rome.

However, it wasn't until the advent of the internet that National Kissing Day truly took off. In the early days of the world wide web, people started declaring various themed days, and the concept of a National Kissing Day quickly gained popularity among the online community.

Since then, National Kissing Day has grown into a global celebration of love, passion, and oh-so-romantic smooches. People all over the world use this day as an excuse to shower their loved ones with affection and enjoy a good old-fashioned smooching session.

How to Celebrate National Kissing Day

Celebrating National Kissing Day couldn't be simpler - just pucker up and plant one on someone you love! Whether it's your sweetie, your pet, or even a platonic friend, a good smooch can bring a smile to anyone's face.

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try out different types of kisses. There's the classic peck on the lips, the playful Eskimo kiss, the passionate French kiss, and many more. Just make sure you have consent from the other party involved - enthusiastic consent is key!

For those who prefer the digital realm, you can also celebrate National Kissing Day by sending virtual kisses to your friends and loved ones. Emojis and GIFs featuring adorable kisses can convey your affection in a fun and lighthearted way.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the longest kiss ever recorded lasted for a whopping 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds? It's true! A Thai couple, Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, set this record in 2013 during a kissing competition. Talk about dedication!

History behind the term 'Kisssing'

2000 BCE

Ancient Origins

The history of kissing can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians. In these cultures, kissing was not only a gesture of affection but also a means of transferring one's breath, or life force. It was believed that by sharing breath, individuals could exchange spirits and establish a deeper connection.

IV century BC

Ancient Origins

The tradition of kissing dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its practice found in India, Greece, and Rome. In India, the epic poem Mahabharata mentions kissing as a sign of affection between family members. In Greece, kissing was seen as a way to show respect and veneration, often done on the hand or cheek. Romans, on the other hand, embraced kissing as a form of greeting, a display of affection, and even as part of their religious ceremonies.

5th Century BCE

Greek Influence

The Greeks played a significant role in shaping the concept of kissing. They had multiple words to describe different types of kisses, such as 'philein' for a friendly kiss and 'kataphilein' for a passionate kiss. Kissing also held religious significance in Ancient Greece, particularly in the context of religious ceremonies and rituals.

15th - 17th century

The European Influence

During the Renaissance period, kissing became more prevalent in Europe. The European influence spread the practice of kissing to other cultures and societies. Kissing was depicted in various forms of art, literature, and poetry. It became a symbol of love, romance, and intimacy. The act of kissing was not exclusive to romantic relationships but extended to other social interactions as well.

19th century

The Victorian Era

In the 19th century, the Victorian era brought about stricter social norms and etiquette. Public displays of affection, including kissing, were frowned upon and considered improper. Kissing was reserved for private spaces such as the home. This period saw the rise of the 'kissing games,' where young couples would steal a kiss in a playful and innocent manner.

9th Century CE

Spread of Christian Influence

With the spread of Christianity in Europe, kissing took on a new meaning. It became associated with expressions of love and affection within the context of marriage, as advocated by the Church. The exchange of a holy kiss, known as the 'kiss of peace,' became a part of Christian worship and symbolized forgiveness and reconciliation.

11th Century CE

Romantic Connotations

During the Middle Ages, the act of kissing gradually gained more romantic connotations. It became a symbol of courtly love, passion, and desire. The troubadours, medieval poets and musicians, often depicted and celebrated kissing in their works, further popularizing the romantic association of the act.

20th century

Kissing in Popular Culture

During the early 20th century, kissing became more openly displayed in popular culture. Silent films depicted passionate kissing scenes, pushing the boundaries of societal norms. With the advent of cinema and media, kissing became a central element in storytelling, romanticizing the act and shaping public perception of intimacy. Kissing was no longer solely a private matter but also a public expression of love and desire.

21st century

The Digital Era

In the 21st century, technology has influenced the way we perceive and practice kissing. Virtual communication platforms and social media have introduced the concept of 'virtual kissing,' where emojis and digital representations of kisses are used to convey affection. Though virtual kisses may not hold the same physicality as traditional kissing, they have become an integral part of modern communication and expression of emotion.

19th Century CE

Kissing in Popular Culture

The 19th century witnessed significant advancements in mass media and popular culture. Kissing began to be portrayed in novels, plays, and eventually, films. It became an important element of storytelling, central to romantic plots and emotional connections between characters. This trend, coupled with changing societal norms, further solidified the status of kissing as a symbol of love and romance.

20th Century CE

Kissing Becomes Mainstream

As the 20th century progressed, kissing became more prevalent and accepted in mainstream society. It was no longer solely reserved for private moments between couples but was increasingly displayed in public settings. This shift in social norms was influenced by the rising influence of Hollywood and the portrayal of passionate kisses in popular films.