Why Do We Celebrate Global Orgasm Day on the 21st December?

So, why has Global Orgasm Day stood the test of time to become an annual celebration of fun and demystified sexuality? Society has always been both fascinated and intrigued by the orgasm, as it’s a deeply intimate yet universal experience. Behind the festivities of the 21st December hides a lot more than a nod to global eroticism. This day also exists as an invitation for us to reflect on pleasure, the place it has in our lives, and how we can enjoy more freedom in the bedroom. It’s by returning to the origins of this initiative that we can grasp its full significance.

It first saw the light of day in 2006 in the United States, thanks to two activists, Donna Sheehan and Paul Reffell. They had one simple yet ambitious goal: encourage a global wave of joy and connection to symbolise peace and positive energy. Choosing to celebrate this day on the winter solstice — the shortest day of the year and a period of transition in which we return to lighter days — didn’t happen accidentally. Associating this symbolism with the orgasm, a source of relaxation, well-being and vitality, was almost like militant poetry.

Over the years, Global Orgasm Day has transformed into a fun pretext for people to discuss the benefits of pleasure, the need to talk about sex without taboo, and the importance of taking care of your body, whether solo or with others.

Far from being a moment of intense physicality, orgasms play an essential role in overall balance. They can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, contribute to positive self-esteem and release well-being hormones such as oxytocin. Orgasms are also a great tool for you to reconnect with and better understand your body, and for you to own your sexuality.

Celebrating orgasms also means claiming a more open, positive and inclusive vision of pleasure. Everybody has the right to explore the things that give them pleasure, to express their desires and redefine their relationship to pleasure in a judgement free setting.

Global Orgasm Day is an incredibly accessible holiday, as everyone is free to celebrate it however they feel. Some people see it as the perfect excuse to take some time for themselves, to slow down and reconnect to their body through mindful masturbation, slow sex or a moment of sensual relaxation. Others prefer to share a moment with their partner by organising a special moment for two: massages, sexy games, exploring new things together, or simply having an open discussion to help better understand each other’s desires.

It’s also a great time for you to try out some new sex toys. A clit stimulator, a textured pocket pussy, a rabbit vibrator or a butt plug can all be handy little tools that’ll transform your play session on Global Orgasm Day into an unforgettable moment. The aim isn’t to ‘perform’, but instead to explore, test things out and let yourself be guided by pleasure.

Global Orgasm Day puts a spotlight on an important aspect of our cultural evolution. For a long time, sexuality has been something hidden, secretive and even shameful. Nowadays, people have become emboldened, daring to express their desires, discuss consent and claim sexuality as something that should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.

It’s a symbolic celebration that serves to remind us that pleasure should never be an afterthought. It contributes to our personal fulfilment, well-being and the quality of our relationships. The 21st of December is much more than a random day, it’s an invitation to treat ourselves with care and a better self-understanding and to have a sex life that’s in line with our deepest desires.