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International Kissing Day pucker-ups every July 6. This global observance champions the simple yet profound act of kissing, celebrating its power to convey love, friendship, and connection across cultures. Share a kiss with a loved one, send a virtual smooch, or explore the rich history of this universal gesture.
Want to sponsor International Kissing Day? Learn how
History of International Kissing Day
If we go back in time, we can thank the Romans for the widespread practice of kissing in Europe. They described kissing in three forms: the osculum (a friendly peck on the cheek), the basium (a loving kiss on the lips), and the savium (the most passionate of kisses on the mouth). In Roman society, when, where, and how you kissed someone was an important indicator of social status.
The term “French kiss” was most likely coined by American and British servicemen in France during World War I who noticed that Gallic women were more open to employing the passionate technique than their American and British counterparts. So even though the French were clearly not the first people to engage in “French kissing”, it seems only right that they were given credit for it due to the amorous enthusiasms of French lovers a century ago.
Interestingly enough, the French actually didn’t have a specific word for the famous mouth on mouth until recently. The verb galocher, defined as “kissing with tongues”, was added to a popular yet unofficial French dictionary, Le Petit Robert, in 2014. Nowadays, French kissing is so popular that a team of Japanese researchers recently invented a French kissing machine, in which couples that are separated are able to connect via straw-like devices that work through a computer.
International Kissing Day itself is not only about French kissing your significant other, but to bring people closer in general. The main idea behind it was that so many people have forgotten the simple pleasures associated with kissing for kissing’s sake, as opposed to kissing as mere social formality. Kissing can be an enjoyable experience in and of itself and is an expression of love and intimacy.
International Kissing Day timeline
Hershey's Kiss was first introduced. Up until 1921, each Hershey's Kiss was wrapped and stamped by hand.
American servicemen stationed in France came across bold French women, coming up with the term "French kiss."
American heavy metal rock band, Kiss, formed in New York City.
Singer-songwriter Seal released his iconic song, "Kiss From a Rose"
International Kissing Day - Survey Results
*** NATIONALTODAY.COM KISS AND TELL SURVEY ***
Data gathered by a top Tampa Marketing Agency
HOW DO AMERICANS RATE THEIR KISSING SKILLS?
#1: “Good” (32%)
#2: “Great” (28%)
#3: “Amazing” (23%)
#4: “Okay” (16%)
#5: “Horrible” (2%)
HOW DO AMERICANS RATE THEIR PARTNERS?
#1: “Amazing” (27%)
#2: “Great” (27%)
#3: “Good” (26%)
#4: “Okay” (12%)
#5: “Horrible” (2%)
AMERICANS RANK THE WORST ATTRIBUTES OF A BAD KISSER
#1: Bad breath (58%)
#2: Too much tongue (20%)
#3: Teeth (10%)
#4: Not enough tongue (6%)
#5: Eye contact (6%)
WHEN DID THE AVERAGE AMERICAN HAVE THEIR FIRST KISS?
#1: Middle School (36%)
#2: High School (26%)
#3: Elementary School (22%)
#4: 18-21 (8%)
#5: 21-25 (2%)
#6: 25-30 or after 30 (1%)
2% OF AMERICANS HAVE NEVER BEEN KISSED
The majority of them (62%) are men who are between the ages of 18-24 (54%) or 25-34 (31%).
AMERICAN’S TOP KISSING QUIRKS:
#1: Always checking their breath before they kiss someone (42%)
#2: Kissing someone as a dare (31%)
#3: Letting my pet kiss me on the mouth (14%)
#4: Putting on chapstick to get ready (12%)
#5: Being grossed out when parents kiss in front of them (11%)
Traditions of the day
The art of kissing transcends cultural norms. No matter which country or customs you belong to, kissing is celebrated as an enjoyable activity. Whether it is an affectionate peck on the cheek, or a deep, passionate kiss shared between lovers, International Kissing Day is all about expressing love through kisses.
Don’t hold back today! Kiss your partner good morning and plant some more on them throughout the day. Ladies, greet your girl gang with cheek-to-cheek kisses, and, guys, peck your mother or sister lovingly on the forehead. Kisses on the back of the hand are underrated, so why not ‘hand’ them out too. There are countless ways to kiss, romantic or otherwise. So pucker up!
By The Numbers
26 – the number of calories in one Hershey’s Kiss.
4 – the number of minutes it takes to burn off one Hershey’s Kiss.
2 weeks – the time a person spends in their life kissing.
$1,600 – the price at which a lipstick imprint of a kiss made by Mick Jagger was sold at.
79 – the number of guys the average woman kisses before marriage.
90% – the percentage of people in the world who kiss on the lips.
50% – the percentage of people who have kissed before reaching teenage years.
100 – times more sensitivity of the lips compared to the tips of our fingers.
34 – the number of facial muscles used to kiss someone.
5 – cranial nerves involved in one kiss.
International Kissing Day FAQs
When is International Kissing Day?
International Kissing Day 2026 falls on Monday, July 6, offering a perfect start to the week to celebrate affection. This annual observance encourages people worldwide to share a kiss with loved ones.
What are the health benefits of kissing?
Kissing offers several surprising health benefits, including stress reduction and boosting happiness by releasing oxytocin and endorphins. It can also strengthen immune systems by exchanging beneficial bacteria.
How many times do people kiss in a lifetime?
While estimates vary, studies suggest the average person spends approximately two weeks of their life kissing. This amounts to tens of thousands of kisses, from platonic pecks to passionate embraces.
What are some famous kisses in art and history?
Iconic kisses include Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss,’ Rodin’s ‘The Kiss’ sculpture, and the famous V-J Day in Times Square photograph. These moments have captured the essence of love and celebration for generations.
International Kissing Day Activities
Give someone you love a kiss
Whether it's your significant other, your mom, or your best friend, remind someone how much you love them with a kiss. Just remember: even though you might want to kiss someone, it doesn't mean they want you to be kissed by you—keep it consensual.
Snack on Hershey's Kisses
Did you know that Hershey's Kisses fit perfectly into your puckered lips? Although no one knows exactly why they're called Hershey's Kisses, legend has it they were named after the sound the chocolate makes when it's dropping onto the conveyer belt. How romantic!
Kiss everyone hello on both cheeks
In many cultures (particularly French), it is common practice to peck people once on both cheeks as a greeting. Try it on your friends and colleagues. But pecks only, please—no tongue!
Why We Love International Kissing Day
It's a full face workout
Did you know that French kissing engages all 34 muscles in the face, whereas a simple pucker kiss only involves two? Who needs the gym when a make-out session will get our hearts racing and our muscles working?
Kissing makes us happy and relieves stress
Kissing serves as a natural relaxer that makes us feel happy and at peace. By stimulating our brain to release feel-good chemicals, kissing makes us feel both calm and excited at the same time.
Kissing crosses language and cultural boundaries
Kissing is a cross-cultural form of communication that means the same things in every country—regardless of language, ethnicity, or religion. By kissing, you can communicate complex emotions without having to exchange any words with your kissing partner.
