Valentine's Day 2026: History, significance and how to celebrate Kiss Day 2026

Significance of Kiss Day

A kiss is a physical expression of love and intimacy, and in the context of Valentine’s Week, Kiss Day celebrates the strengthening of the bond between people in love.

Benefits of kissing

The act of kissing is more than just a romantic gesture; it has been linked with multiple health benefits. Kissing boosts ‘happy hormones’ in the brain. These include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. It also reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

How to celebrate Kiss Day 2026

It stands to reason that one celebrates Kiss Day with a kiss, but when engaging in any physical acts of love or intimacy, consent is key. And that holds true for kissing as well. With that in mind, romantic partners can just have the best time together, be it stealing a quick peck in busy moments or taking time for serious intimacy.

Kissing can burn calories

Kissing burns calories, and depending on how passionately it is done, the count can range between 2 and 26 in one minute. It tones facial muscles and has even been linked to improving cholesterol levels and preventing cavities.

How does kissing help evolution?

Recent studies have proposed that kissing may have evolved to help humans determine the suitability of a mate by helping to detect certain chemicals in the breath or saliva

Kiss for loved ones

Kissing is not just limited to lovebirds. A quick peck to family, friends, and many big ones to the pets are all ways to celebrate the season of love on February 13.