International Kiss a Ginger Day: Pucker up & plant one on your favorite redhead today

It’s time to pucker up, people. Jan 12 is International Kiss a Ginger Day, an annual event that encourages folks to plant a great big smooch on the gorgeous men and women with red hair.

Back in 2009, Derek Forgie created a Facebook group in response to the vile 2008 Kick a Ginger Facebook campaign which resulted in red-headed children being assaulted in schools. Instead, Forgie’s “karmic counter-event” was created to spread a little love to gingers across the land.

Fun Facts About Redhead

• Natural red hair is caused by the “ginger gene”, a mutated MC1R gene which only occurs when both mom and dad carry the gene. Only 1 to 2 percent of the population has natural red hair.

• According to the Huffington Post, while most redheads have brown or hazel/green eyes, only 1 percent of people have both red hair and blue eyes – making them the “rarest minority in the world.”

• Red hair comes from a recessive gene which often comes in pairs. Many people born with red hair are born left-handed.

• Did you know redheads are more sensitive to hot and cold and typically require more anesthesia for medical/dental procedures? In fact, gingers need about 20 percent more anesthesia.

• Despite all the rumors, redheads are not going extinct!

In the spirit of the holiday, smooch a ginger today. Today is also Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution Day and the Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day. Enjoy!