Kiss A Ginger Day

Celebrated on 01/12/2026

Quick Fact

Kiss A Ginger Day, observed on January 12th, was created in 2009 by Derek Forgie as a response to 'Kiss a Ginger Day' on Twitter. The holiday aims to celebrate redheads and combat gingerism, with participants encouraged to show appreciation by kissing or hugging a ginger-haired person.

Origins and Establishment of Kiss A Ginger Day

Kiss A Ginger Day was founded in 2009 by Derek Forgie, a Canadian man, as a lighthearted response to a viral Twitter campaign. The initial idea was to create a day dedicated to showing affection and appreciation for people with red hair, countering negative stereotypes and bullying often faced by redheads. Forgie chose January 12th as the date, and the holiday quickly gained traction through social media, with participants encouraged to kiss or hug a ginger as a sign of support.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, Kiss A Ginger Day has evolved from a simple social media trend into a widely recognized observance, especially in English-speaking countries. It is now celebrated with themed parties, social media campaigns using hashtags like #KissAGingerDay, and gestures of kindness towards redheads. The day has also sparked discussions about gingerism—prejudice against redheads—and has been embraced by ginger communities as a moment of pride. Modern celebrations often include sharing photos, stories, and educational content about red hair genetics.

Facts & General Observations

• Approximately 1-2% of the world's population has red hair, with the highest concentration in Scotland (13%) and Ireland (10%).
• The MC1R gene mutation responsible for red hair is recessive, meaning both parents must carry it for a child to be a redhead.
• Kiss A Ginger Day has faced some criticism for being overly simplistic in addressing discrimination, but it remains a popular, feel-good event.

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