A little reason to celebrate
Lips Appreciation Day
Fun ยท March 16
A light US observance that pays attention to lips, the soft, busy features we use to talk, eat, whistle, kiss and smile.
Lips Appreciation Day falls on Tuesday, March 16, 2027. That is 140 days away.
Lips get very little credit for how much they do. They shape almost every word we say, close around a straw, hold a whistle in place and do most of the work of a smile. This day simply asks people to notice them.
The skin on the lips is thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, which is part of why they look pink or reddish and why they chap so easily in dry or cold air. Lips also have no sweat glands or oil glands of their own, so they rely on the rest of us (and a tube of balm) to stay comfortable.
They are expressive, too. A slight press of the lips can mean doubt, a pout can mean almost anything depending on who is doing it, and a grin needs no translation. Musicians who play trumpet or flute talk about their lips the way runners talk about their knees.
Marking the day can be as plain as paying attention. Some people try whistling a tune they have not attempted in years. Others look at how painters and photographers have handled lips in portraits, where a few strokes can set the whole mood of a face. Lip prints, the kind made by pressing a lipsticked mouth to paper, are as individual as a signature and make an oddly charming bookmark.
The next time a word comes out wrong, it may be worth remembering that the lips were only following instructions.
Ways to celebrate
- Try whistling a favorite song from start to finish.
- Look at a few famous portraits and notice how the lips set the mood.
- Make a lip print on paper and compare it with a friend's.
- Share a genuine smile with someone you see today.
- Practice a tongue twister and feel how much work your lips do.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, March 16 |
| 2027 | Tuesday, March 16 |
| 2028 | Thursday, March 16 |
| 2029 | Friday, March 16 |
| 2030 | Saturday, March 16 |
Also on March 16
Categories: Fun days