International Kissing Day facts for kids
International Kissing Day, also known as World Kiss Day, is a special holiday celebrated around the world every year on July 6. It's a day to appreciate the simple act of a kiss and what it means to people. This holiday first started in the United Kingdom and became popular globally in the early 2000s.
Another day, February 14, is also sometimes called International Kiss Day because it is Valentine's Day, a romantic holiday. However, July 6 is the officially recognized date for World Kiss Day.
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What is International Kissing Day?
International Kissing Day is a time to think about the importance of kisses in our lives. It's not just about romantic kisses. Kisses can show many different feelings, like love, friendship, respect, and happiness. This day encourages people to share these feelings with those they care about.
Why do we celebrate kissing?
Kisses are a way for humans to connect with each other. They can make us feel closer to our family and friends. Celebrating this day helps us remember how important these small gestures of affection are in building strong relationships. It's a reminder to show kindness and care to the people around us.
The History of Kisses
Kisses have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. No one knows exactly when or where the first kiss happened, but we can find mentions of kissing in very old texts and artworks.
Ancient origins of kissing
Some historians believe that kissing might have started as a way for mothers to feed their babies. They would chew food and then pass it to their infants, which is called "pre-mastication." Over time, this act might have changed into a way to show affection. Other ideas suggest that kissing developed from sniffing or smelling each other, which is a common way for animals to recognize and bond with one another.
Kissing in different cultures
Throughout history, the meaning of a kiss has changed in different parts of the world. In some ancient cultures, kissing was seen as a spiritual act. In others, it was a way to show respect to leaders or gods. For a long time, kissing was mostly a private act. It became more common in public in many Western societies during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Types of Kisses and Their Meanings
Kisses are not all the same! They can have many different meanings depending on who is giving or receiving them, and where they happen.
Friendly and family kisses
- A kiss on the cheek: This is a common way to greet friends or family members in many cultures. It shows warmth and friendship.
- A kiss on the forehead: Often given by parents to children, or between close family members, this kiss shows protection, care, and deep affection.
- A kiss on the hand: In some cultures, this is a traditional sign of respect, especially towards an older person or someone in a position of authority.
Kisses of respect and greeting
In some parts of the world, people might kiss each other on both cheeks as a standard greeting, even if they are not close friends. This is common in many European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. It's a way to say hello and show politeness.
How is International Kissing Day celebrated?
People celebrate International Kissing Day in many simple ways. The main idea is to encourage people to share kisses with those they love and care about.
- Show affection: Many people use this day as a reminder to give extra hugs and kisses to their family members, like parents, grandparents, or siblings.
- Appreciate loved ones: It's a good day to tell your friends and family how much they mean to you, sometimes with a friendly kiss or hug.
- Learn about traditions: Some people might learn about how different cultures use kisses as greetings or signs of affection.
This day is a fun way to celebrate human connection and the simple, powerful act of a kiss.
See also
In Spanish: Día Internacional del Beso para niños
