Happy Hug Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Mar 30, 2022
Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath
Happy Hug Day is an annual national event dedicated to people giving each other a warm hug

Where is Happy Hug Day celebrated?

Hug Day is celebrated in the USA as National Hugging Day.

Who is Happy Hug Day celebrated by?

 Hug Day is celebrated by all kinds of people.

When did Happy Hug Day first start?

 Hug Day was first celebrated on January 21, 1986.

Who started Happy Hug Day?

 This day was first started by Kevin Zaborney, a pastor from the USA.

History And Timeline

National Hugging Day was first celebrated in 1986 and was started by Kevin Zaborney. It was first celebrated in Michigan, USA.

It is said that Zaborney chose January 21 as the date of National Hugging Day since it happens to fall between Christmas, New Year, and Valentine's Day when people were observed to be at their lowest spirits.

He wanted this day to change the popular belief that American society is embarrassed about showcasing their feelings in public and to give hugs as a gift to their loved ones.

First Hug Day Celebrations

Kevin Zaborney first celebrated Happy Hug Day in Michigan, USA.

1986

National Hugging Day Copyrighted

The name 'National Hugging Day' was copyrighted in the U.S. in 1989

1989

The Free Hugs Campaign

Juan Mann began the free hugs campaign in Australia.

June 30, 2004

Free Hugs Illustrated Guide

Juan Mann published his guide to free hugs 'Free Hug Illustrated Guide' in 2008

December 25, 2008

Hug Day In Germany

Hug Day became a huge success in Germany in 2011.

2011

Traditions And Customs

 Hug Day can be celebrated by giving your loved ones and friends a warm and tight hug. One can spend the day with their family and friends and hug them to lift their spirits and to make them feel special.

Ways To Celebrate Hug Day

One of the best ways to celebrate Hug Day is by hugging your friends, family, and even strangers in your neighborhood. Meet people and spread love. One can also spread awareness on the importance of hugs and being hugged.

Facts And Stats

  • A family therapist says that a person needs four hugs a day for survival, which is a fun fact to know about this day.
  • On this day, know that the perfect hug lasts for 20 seconds.
  • Hugs have been found to have a stress-buffering effect of 32%, a good thing to remember on this day.

What is the significance of Happy Hug Day?

Its significance lies in encouraging friends and family to hug more often.

What is the history and origin of Happy Hug Day?

Kevin Zaborney, a pastor started this day on January 21, 1989.

What is special about Happy Hug Day?

This day acknowledges the power of hugging.

How is Happy Hug Day different from National Hug A Friend Day?

National Hug A Friend Day celebrates hugging your friends, while Hug Day celebrates hugging in general.

How does this day affect people psychologically/emotionally?

It reduces stress and loneliness.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, January 21, 2020
  • Thursday, January 21, 2021
  • Friday, January 21, 2022
  • Saturday, January 21, 2023
  • Sunday, January 21, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

Pratiti Nath picture

Pratiti NathBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

A Master's in Biotechnology from Presidency University and a Bachelor's in Microbiology from Calcutta University. Pratiti holds expertise in writing science and healthcare articles, and their inputs and feedback help writers create insightful content. They have interests in heritage, history, and climate change issues and have written articles for various websites across multiple subjects. Their experience also includes working with eco-friendly startups and climate-related NGOs.

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