January 13

Sock fetish:

Boys' kissing contest:

According to Theocritus, a third-century Greek poet, the ancient Dorian city of Megara hosted a version of the Olympic games called the Festival of the Diocleia, held at the onset of spring. One of the important events was a kissing contest, strictly for boys only. The Diocleia was an annual contest celebrated by the Megarians in honor of an ancient Athenian hero, Diocles, around whose grave young men assembled on the occasion, amusing themselves with gymnastic contests and other events, such as the kissing competition. The young man who gave the sweetest kisses won the prize, a garland of flowers. That was it – no medal or other prize – just some flowers.

The origin of this festival was Diocles, an Athenian exile who fled to Megara, where he found a male youth, Philolaus, with whom he fell in love. Diocles was slain in battle, while protecting the object of his love with his shield. The locals honored the gallant lover with a tomb, raised him to the rank of a hero, and instituted the festival in commemoration of his faithful attachment to his male lover. The competitions took place around the tomb of Diocles.

Your blogger does not understand why a kissing contest has not been revived for inclusion at Pride events, in homage to Diocles and Philolaus. After all, it's part of our ancient heritage. Nevertheless, as with any such event, competitive kissing would require strenuous practice: