National Hugging Day

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National Hug Day
Hugging day.png
A couple celebrates National Hugging Day
Official nameNational Hug Day
Also calledNational Hug Day, International Hug Day, Global Hug Day
Observed byUnited States, United Kingdom - Globally
TypeSecular
CelebrationsOffer hugs to others
Date January 21
Next time21 January 2026 (2026-01-21)
FrequencyAnnual

National Hugging Day is an annual event dedicated to hugging in the United States. It was created by Kevin Zaborney, a Christian pastor, [1] [2] and occurs annually on January 21. [3] [4] The day is often accompanied with the organisation of hugging events with the aim of fundraising for charities. [4]

Contents

The day was first celebrated in 1986, in Clio, Michigan. [5] The holiday is also observed in many other countries. [6] [7] The idea of National Hug Day is to encourage everyone to hug family and friends more often. [1] Zaborney cautions to ask first if one is unsure of the response, as respecting the personal space of others is always important and some people are not huggers. However, the psychological benefits of hugging are often highlighted on National Hugging Day, with a focus on its improving mental health. [8]

History

Rev. Kevin Zaborney is credited with coming up with the idea of National Hugging Day in 1986. It was included in Chase's Calendar of Events ; Zaborney's friend at the time was the granddaughter of the proprietors of the publication. He chose January 21st as it fell between the Christmas, New Year's holidays, Valentine's Day and birthdays, when he found people are generally in low spirits. [1] Zaborney considered that "American society is embarrassed to show feelings in public", and hoped that a National Hugging Day would change that, [1] although he thought that his idea would fail. [2]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, alternatives to hugging were emphasised in the media. [9]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Kevin Zaborney creates National Hug Day". People . Archived from the original on March 30, 2011. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  2. 1 2 "National Hugging Day – One Pastor's Ingenious Idea". The Christian Post . January 21, 2011. Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  3. ↑ Godfrey, Alex (January 21, 2018). "National Hugging Day: Hug long and prosper". British GQ. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
  4. 1 2 Willis, Amy (January 21, 2017). "What is National Hugging Day and why should I take part?". Metro. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
  5. ↑ Zaborney, Kevin. "National Hugging Day (TM) – January 21". (blog at WordPress.com). National Hugging Day Website. Archived from the original on September 4, 2011. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  6. ↑ Woods, Tyler. "Today Is National Hug Day Which Means Good Health". EmaxHealth. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  7. ↑ "What is National Hug Day?". International Business Times . January 21, 2011. Archived from the original on September 15, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  8. ↑ Clinic, Cleveland (January 19, 2023). "Benefits of Hugging for Mental Health". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
  9. ↑ Moniuszko, Sara M (January 21, 2021). "National Hugging Day: Safe, feel-good hug alternatives amid COVID-19". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
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