Kiss A Ginger Day is an unofficial holiday that is celebrated all over the world on January 12th. The purpose of this holiday is to show that special ginger in your life just how much you care by giving them a kiss, either on the cheek or on the lips. It’s a holiday that’s only been celebrated since 2009, which isn’t surprising considering that only about 2% of the world’s population has natural red hair. If you have a favorite redhead, then consider showing them some love and giving them a great big kiss.

The History of Red Hair

One of the most common assumptions made by people is that red hair had to originate in either Scotland or Ireland. However, I think most of them would be surprised to learn that it didn’t occur in any of those countries. Instead, it is believed that it originally began in central Asia.

It came about due to a mutation of the MC1R gene – a gene that produces eumelanin – a type of melanin . When this gene malfunctions, it produces not only red hair but it also produces freckles and pale skin as well. Which likely caused quite the stir in Asia during that time.

However, this mutation did give early humans an advantage as the made their way into Europe – a continent which is cooler and had lower light levels. Their pale skin produced Vitamin D easier from lower light levels than other groups of humans. This, in turn, gave them stronger bones and probably allowed them to survive childbirth.

Unfortunately, the MC1R gene is regressive – which means that it thrives in mainly rote and closed communities such as Ireland, Scotland or the coastal regions of Scandinavia. This rarity caused a variety of myths and legends to develop about redheads during the Middle Ages which included everything from the belief that redheads are in league with the devil or that redheads turn into vampires when they die.

Today, there are still a variety of myths and stereotypes that surround those individuals with red hair. That’s probably because less than 2% of the entire world’s population is a natural redhead – although there are many more redheads, if you factor in the number of people who dye their hair red.

The History of Kiss A Ginger Day

Kiss A Ginger Day is an unofficial holiday that was started by Derek Forgie as a positive celebration of people with red hair. Sort of an antidote against the bullying and prejudice that redheads often encounter on a daily basis. After posting it on social media, Kiss A Ginger Day quickly took off and is now a holiday which is celebrated all over the world.

Fascinating Redhead Facts

• Scotland has the highest concentration of redheads @ 13%
• Ireland has the second highest concentration of redheads @ 10%
• Blue-eyed gingers only make-up less than 1% of the world population
• Most Redheads have brown, hazel or green eyes
• Bees are most likely to sting redheads than blondes or brunettes
• Redheads have a higher chance of being left-handed
• Gingers require more anesthesia during surgery
• Redheads are more likely to be sensitive to hot or cold
• Redheads have a higher chance of skin cancer
• Gingers bruise more easily
• Gingerphobia is a fear of redheads
• Gingerism is the bullying of redheads

Celebrating Kiss A Ginger Day

Celebrating Kiss A Ginger Day is quite easy. If you are a ginger yourself, then feel free to treat yourself to a nice treat. If you know a ginger, then kiss them on the cheek or lips – just be sure to get their permission first! You can also celebrate this holiday by posting on social media using the hashtag #KissAGingerDay.

For more serious minded people, the holiday can be used as a way to dispel many of the harmful myths and stereotypes that surround people with red hair. After all, this holiday was started as a backlash to the bullying that many gingers experience on a daily basis.

Conclusion 

Kiss A Ginger Day is the perfect day to either brighten up a ginger’s day or to help stop the bullying that many gingers face every day, simply because of their hair color. So go out there and show red haired people that you care!