Wheaton school instates an English tradition

In a display of unity with an English namesake, Wheaton Warrenville South High School students will exchange kisses this Friday.

The English tradition is known as Kissing Friday, but hasn't been in vogue for about 60 years. The day allowed English schoolboys to kiss whatever girl they wanted without fear of a slap or rejection.

The Wheaton Sister Cities Commission created a relationship with the community of Wheaton Aston in Staffordshire, England, in the spring of 1990.

About two years ago, Sister Cities Commission Chair Teri Ash discovered Kissing Friday while researching Wheaton Aston. She decided to revive the tradition at Wheaton schools, but only at the high school level.

However, that doesn't mean promoting full make-out sessions in hallways, Ash said.

"We're not necessarily promoting the exchange of smooches, but individuals can do that," she said.

Instead, chocolate kisses will be the preferred method of affection.

"I hate to promote Hershey, but let's face it, the candy kisses are more hygienic," Ash said.

There only seems to be one catch.

An Internet search of "Kissing Friday" yields several Web sites that refer to Kissing Friday as the Friday after Ash Wednesday, not the first Friday in March.

Ash Wednesday fell on Feb. 6 this year, meaning Kissing Friday was Feb. 8.

Wheaton Warrenville South Activities Director Matt Stellwagen recognized the celebration as less about the tradition and more about the relationship between Wheaton and Wheaton Aston. It's similar to the celebration of Wheaton's relationship with Karlskoga, Sweden, he said.

"Wheaton North did a Valentine's Day Swedish exchange this year, so we're handing out candy," he said. "It's a day of recognition as per the Wheaton sister city in England."