International Kiss a Ginger Day (January 12)
International Kiss a Ginger Day is a fun and lighthearted holiday celebrated on January 12.
It was created as a positive response to past bullying of redheads, encouraging appreciation for those with fiery locks.
Whether you have a ginger friend or just admire the unique beauty of red hair, this day is all about spreading kindness and celebrating diversity. This is one of the weirdest holidays in January!
Disclaimer: Do not kiss anyone without their permission.
When is the Holiday?
International Kiss a Ginger Day is celebrated annually on January 12th. It was created to celebrate redheads and spread positivity.
Who Invented It?
This holiday was created in 2009 by Derek Forgie as a playful yet meaningful response to “Kick a Ginger Day,” a bullying trend that had led to redheads being unfairly targeted.
His goal was to turn the negativity into a celebration of gingers worldwide.
The History of the Holiday
The origins of International Kiss a Ginger Day lie in social media, where Forgie started a Facebook event to reclaim the narrative around redheads.
Since then, the holiday has gained traction, with redheads across the globe embracing the day as a fun way to celebrate their unique genetic trait.
Red hair is a rare trait, making up only 1-2% of the world’s population. It is most commonly linked to Irish and Scottish ancestry, though it exists in various regions.
The gene responsible for red hair requires both parents to be carriers, and even then, there’s only a 25% chance of having a redheaded child.
Historically, redheads were viewed with suspicion, often accused of witchcraft or possessing supernatural abilities.
Today, red hair is celebrated for its uniqueness, though stereotypes about fiery tempers persist. Countries like the Netherlands even host Redhead Day, a festival dedicated to those with red hair.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Red hair requires 20% more anesthesia during medical procedures compared to other hair colors.
- The rarest combination is blue eyes and red hair.
- 13% of Scotland’s population is redheaded, making it the country with the highest percentage of gingers.
- Historically, redheads were often portrayed as villains or witches in folklore and literature.
- There are six distinct shades of red hair, ranging from strawberry blonde to deep auburn.
Activities to Celebrate
While kissing a redhead without permission is not recommended, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate:
- Compliment a ginger in your life.
- Wear red in solidarity.
- Watch movies featuring famous redheads, like Brave or Harry Potter.
- Share redhead fun facts on social media.
- Check out ginger-themed products, like redhead-themed clothing or ginger-scented beauty.
Related Holidays
- Kiss Me Day on August 27 celebrates affectionate gestures and playful kisses.
- National Lips Appreciation Day on March 16 honors the beauty and function of lips.
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