- Categories:
- Relationship
- Tags:
- FriendshipLoveMental Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every January 21
- Holiday emoji:
- 🫂
National Hugging Day opens up your heart and your arms every January 21, dedicated to the underrated art form of the hug. This annual event celebrates all types of embraces, from a quick one-armed squeeze to a full bear hug. So let’s get hugging and share some much-needed connection!
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Expected National Hugging Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National Hugging Day often inspires feel-good campaigns and community-focused initiatives. Expect brands like Hallmark to offer discounts on cards that encourage connection, while local florists or gift shops might promote bundles for sending comfort. Coffee shops, such as Starbucks, could feature special deals on comforting beverages. Retailers like Build-A-Bear Workshop often highlight their huggable products, and wellness brands might run promotions on self-care items that promote emotional well-being. Look for social media contests from brands encouraging users to share their favorite hugging moments. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Hugging Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalHuggingDay. Share creative videos of different types of hugs, or a ‘free hugs’ challenge.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHuggingDay. Post heartwarming photos or reels of people hugging, highlighting the joy and comfort.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalHuggingDay. Share stories about the power of a hug or organize a virtual ‘hug-a-thon’ with friends.
National Hugging Day Hero
Kevin Zaborney
History of National Hugging Day
National Hugging Day was created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney. His friend was the granddaughter of the proprietors of Chase’s Calendar of Events. Zaborney chose January 21 because it was the time between the winter holiday season and the new year’s birthdays, which he noticed was a time people tend to feel low in spirits. He also felt that Americans were often too embarrassed to show affection in public and hoped National Hugging Day would change that, though he never actually thought it would catch on.
The word “hug” is believed to come from the word “hugga” meaning “to comfort” in the Old Norse language, first appearing approximately 450 years ago. However, the history of hugging itself is a bit more uncertain. What is known is that it is only very recently (within the past 50 years) that we have seen a full acceptance of hugging in public, separating it from other distinguished displays of affection such as kissing. The widespread adoption of hugging over the recent years has been debated to be due to two primary reasons: the reduced formality of dress code and manners between relationships, along with the changing behaviors of political figures in pursuit of a more relatable, warm-hearted perception to the public.
Nowadays, we don’t even think about the fact that hugging in public was considered indecent PDA. We hug to greet friends and family, to say goodbye, or to congratulate someone. To console someone or to show support. We hug before sports and performance teams begin their match, and to show a general sign of affection between intimate relationships. There are also Free Hugs charity fundraisers!
National Hugging Day timeline
Derived from the Old Norse word "hugga" or to comfort, the OG hug enters vocabularies around this time.
According to one of the top Detroit PR Firms, National Hugging Day was first celebrated on January 21, 1986 in Clio, Michigan
National Hugging Day is a hit in Germany
Chris Christie and Barak Obama share a brief embrace on the President's visit to New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Hugging Day
Local businesses can embrace National Hugging Day by fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Coffee shops could offer ‘buy one, get one free’ deals on comforting drinks for customers who bring a friend for a hug. Retail stores might encourage staff to offer a friendly, respectful greeting and a positive interaction, making customers feel valued. Wellness centers could promote the benefits of touch through special offers on massage or therapy sessions. The key is to create opportunities for genuine connection and warmth, aligning with the holiday’s spirit.
National Hugging Day Traditions
The best way National Hugging Day is celebrated is by spreading the love and offering a hug to your friends and family. It’s amazing how much difference a simple hug can make. Spend your day letting your nearest and dearest know that you’re there for them by giving them hugs and lifting their spirits.
National Hug Day By The Numbers
12 — the number of hugs required by humans every day to be healthy.
32% — the percentage of stress that is dispelled with a hug.
20 seconds — the average time of a hug.
4 — the number of hugs needed for survival.
8 — the number of hugs needed by humans every day for maintenance.
10 seconds — the hug time that leads to biochemical reactions in the body that boost health.
National Hugging Day FAQs
When is National Hugging Day?
In 2027, National Hugging Day will be observed on Friday, January 21. This end-of-week timing makes it ideal for spreading weekend cheer through hugs.
What are the benefits of hugging?
Beyond emotional comfort, studies indicate that hugging can strengthen the immune system and even reduce feelings of loneliness. A good hug releases endorphins, acting as a natural pain reliever and mood enhancer.
How many hugs do people need a day?
While there’s no universally agreed-upon number, many experts suggest that consistent, meaningful physical touch is crucial for emotional health. Aim for several genuine hugs daily to maintain connection and well-being, even if it’s not a precise dozen.
Who founded National Hugging Day?
The holiday was conceived by Kevin Zaborney in Clio, Michigan, with the first official observance on January 21, 1986. His goal was to inspire people to overcome societal inhibitions about public displays of affection and embrace the simple act of hugging.
National Hugging Day Activities
Hug a friend
We’re sure you have tons of friends, you're popular person. And with tons of friends comes tons of hugs. Close your eyes and think about how much you love your friend when hugging him or her. Next, press as much as you feel like without squeezing too tight. Try out different hug variations with different friends and perfect your perfect hug. A hug is just like a handshake; everyone knows how to do it, but it takes a true master to do it right.
Hug a stranger
In this age of social disconnection and lack of human contact, most people are unsure how to go about hugging random people. However, hugging a stranger is more therapeutic than you think; the effects of giving free hugs to strangers are phenomenal. One method we suggest is holding a “free hugs” sign. That way, you know that the stranger consents to the hug you’re about to give them. It’s a lot less awkward and inappropriate than trying to hug a random stranger on the subway!
Hug yourself
Getting a hug is a great feeling. It can instantly lift your mood, making you feel safe and appreciated. Sometimes, however, there isn’t anybody around to give you that hug you need. When you need it the most, wrap your hands around yourself and hug yourself tightly. You might think that’s weird, but hear us out. Friends are great, but you’re the star of your own life. And you should love yourself like a star! That means making lots of time for self-care and self-love. So self-hug away.
5 Facts About Hugs That Will Make You Want One Right Now
That’s a lot of hugs
The average time spent hugging is an hour a month.
Take the lead
Most people hug with their right arm when going for a hug.
Hugging is important for development
As touch is integral to babies, hugging helps them become well-adjusted adults.
It is important for adults too
Hugging is therapeutic and reduces feelings of loneliness.
Hugging leads to a good headspace
There is a hugging meditation by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, which brings more awareness, presence, and togetherness into people’s lives.
Why We Love National Hugging Day
Hugging builds trust
The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication. Hugs instantly help increase oxytocin levels, which heal and combat feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. We can all take a lesson from this: next time, when you feel like fighting with your significant other, stop … and give your significant other a hug instead. It will give you time to calm down and remind you two of your close connection.
Hugging is healthy
Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum creates an emotional charge that activates the solar plexus chakra. This in turn stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body’s production of white blood cells. Hugs also affect the nervous system. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system post-hug. What does this all mean in English? It just means that hugs are good for you! They’re good for your emotional state, but they’re also good for your physical body. One might even say that hugs are the best medicine! (That being said, if you get sick, please go to a doctor. We’re not joking.)
Hugs may alleviate our fears
Scientists found that hugging — even if it was just an inanimate object like a teddy bear — helps soothe individuals’ existential fears. Interpersonal touch is such a powerful mechanism that even objects that can simulate touch by another person help instill a sense of existential significance. If you think about it, you’ll understand why: it doesn’t matter if we’re a tiny speck in the universe as long as you’re loved.
National Hugging Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 21 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 21 | Sunday |
| 2030 | January 21 | Monday |
| 2031 | January 21 | Tuesday |
Social Media Tips for National Hugging Day
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