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Kiss Me Day (August 27)

Check out the weird holiday Kiss Me Day on August 27th. Learn about the history of Kiss Me Day and get ideas on how to celebrate Kiss Me Day.

One weird holiday on August 27th is Kiss Me Day. Check out the other weird August holidays!

Every year on August 27th, people around the world celebrate Kiss Me Day. But contrary to what you might think, Kiss Me Day is NOT about people kissing everyone else! In fact, Kiss Me Day was originally institute to celebrate the kiss of a beloved classic cartoon couple. Read on to find out who!

When is Kiss Me Day?

Kiss Me Day takes place on August 27th each year.

Who Invented Kiss Me Day?

Kiss Me Day, celebrated on August 27th in commemoration of Popeye and Olive Oyl’s first on-screen kiss, does not have a clearly documented origin regarding who specifically invented or established it. It likely emerged organically among fans of the Popeye cartoon series and became popularized through fan communities and perhaps even influenced by media outlets celebrating the iconic couple’s romantic moment.

The day serves as a fun celebration for enthusiasts of classic cartoons and serves to acknowledge the enduring popularity of Popeye and Olive Oyl, whose animated romance has captivated audiences since their first appearance. The lack of a specific inventor is common with many unofficial holidays that grow from fan bases or cultural traditions rather than being created through official or commercial means.

History of Kiss Me Day

Kiss Me Day was inspired by the famous kiss between Popeye and Olive Oyl, two of the most beloved characters in cartoon history. Popeye, known for his incredible strength and love for spinach, and Olive Oyl, his often-damsel-in-distress girlfriend, shared their first kiss in a comic strip that aired on August 27th, marking a significant moment in their on-again, off-again relationship. This day celebrates their love story and the joy their adventures have brought to fans over the decades.

Popeye and Olive Oyl were created by Elzie Crisler Segar and first appeared in the daily King Features comic strip, “Thimble Theatre,” in 1919. Popeye made his debut in 1929 and quickly became the main focus due to his popularity. Their relationship, characterized by its humor, mishaps, and undeniable affection, has made a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing various other media and entertainment forms including television, cinema, and merchandise.

Some sources claim today marks the date of Popeye and Olive Oyl’s first on-screen kiss, where Olive Oyl said “My hero” after kissing Popeye, but that is not the case. That happened in Private Eye Popeye, which was released in November of 1954. The first kiss between Popeye and Olive Oyl actually occurred in a comic strip on August 27, 1929, and was followed by Olive Oyl exclaiming, “Oh. Excuse me Popeye—I imagined you were my lover.”

How to Celebrate Kiss Me Day

  1. Watch Classic Popeye Episodes: Revisit old Popeye cartoons, especially those featuring memorable moments between Popeye and Olive Oyl. Hosting a viewing party with friends and family can make this experience even more enjoyable.
  2. Dress Up: For fun, dress up as Popeye and Olive Oyl. This can be a great way to engage with children or for a themed party, bringing a bit of nostalgia and laughter to the day.
  3. Create Art: Draw or create artwork inspired by Popeye and Olive Oyl. Share your creations online to celebrate their iconic relationship and the impact of these characters on animation. Make a cute kissing craft.
  4. Comic Strip Reading: Dive into the original “Thimble Theatre” comic strips. Reading the original adventures of Popeye and Olive Oyl provides insight into their characters and the creative evolution over the years.
  5. Share on Social Media: Use the hashtag #KissMeDay to share your celebrations, favorite Popeye and Olive Oyl moments, or simply express what these characters mean to you.
  6. Kiss Your Loved Ones: Share a kiss with your partner, family members, or friends (where culturally appropriate) to show them your love and appreciation. Prepare for a romantic kiss with your partner.
  7. Send Virtual Kisses: If you’re away from your loved ones, consider sending a virtual kiss through a message, GIF, or emoji to let them know you’re thinking of them.
  8. Host a Romantic Dinner: Create a special evening for your partner that culminates with a kiss to celebrate the day.
  9. Photograph a Kiss: Capture the moment of a kiss and share it on social media to promote the joy and beauty of kissing. Use hashtags like #KissMeDay to join the global celebration.
  10. Learn About Kissing Traditions: Use the day as an opportunity to learn about different kissing customs around the world and the meanings behind them.

Fun Facts About Popeye and Olive Oyl

  • Popeye’s Spinach: Popeye’s love for spinach, which he eats to gain his superhuman strength, was actually part of an early 20th-century push to promote the vegetable’s health benefits.
  • Voice Actors: Many actors have voiced Popeye and Olive Oyl in various adaptations, but Jack Mercer and Mae Questel are among the most renowned for bringing these characters to life in animated cartoons.
  • Cultural Icon: Popeye has been credited with influencing the increase in spinach consumption in the United States during the Great Depression.
  • Merchandise and Adaptations: Over the years, Popeye and Olive Oyl have been featured in video games, advertisements, and merchandise ranging from t-shirts to lunch boxes, showcasing their widespread appeal.

Fun Facts About Kissing

  • First Movie Kiss: The first kiss ever recorded on film was between May Irwin and John Rice in 1896 in the film “The Kiss.”
  • Kissing Records: The record for the longest kiss stands at over 58 hours, set by a couple in Thailand during a kissing competition.
  • Health Benefits: Kissing can actually improve your dental health by increasing saliva production, which helps to clean your mouth and reduce cavity-causing bacteria.

Kiss Me Day on August 27th not only commemorates the first kiss between Popeye and Olive Oyl but also celebrates their enduring influence on popular culture and animation. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their stories, this day offers a fun opportunity to reflect on the humor, simplicity, and sweetness of one of the cartoon world’s most famous couples. So pop open a can of spinach (if you’re so inclined), settle in for some classic cartoons, and enjoy celebrating a truly iconic moment in animation history.

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