National Hugging Day, celebrated on January 21, encourages people to embrace the simple but powerful act of hugging. Created by Kevin Zaborney in 1986, this day promotes positive emotional connections and the health benefits that hugs can bring. Studies show that hugs can boost mood, reduce stress, and even strengthen the immune system by releasing oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.”
While hugs are often shared among friends and family, this day invites everyone to consider spreading warmth through this universal gesture. Just remember, always ensure comfort and consent before hugging!
Other days that share a similar spirit with National Hugging Day include National Friendship Day, which highlights the importance of nurturing and appreciating friendships. Another related day is World Kindness Day, encouraging acts of kindness and spreading goodwill. Both days emphasize the value of human connection and kindness, just like National Hugging Day.
History of National Hugging Day
National Hugging Day was created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney in Clio, Michigan. His goal was to encourage more physical affection in a time when people were often shy about showing emotions in public. Zaborney chose January 21st because it falls between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, a time when people may need a bit of extra warmth and connection. Since its inception, the day has grown in popularity and is now celebrated around the world.
When Is National Hugging Day Celebrated?
If you’re ready to mark your calendar and spread some love, here’s when National Hugging Day will be celebrated in the coming years:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | January 21, Sunday |
| 2025 | January 21, Tuesday |
| 2026 | January 21, Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 21, Thursday |
| 2028 | January 21, Friday |
| 2029 | January 21, Sunday |
| 2030 | January 21, Monday |
Fun Facts About Hugs
Before you dive into your hugging spree, here are some fun facts that will make you appreciate this simple gesture even more:
- The word “hug” is believed to come from the Old Norse word “hugga” which means to comfort.
- On average, a hug lasts about 3 seconds, but longer hugs of 20 seconds or more have been shown to release oxytocin, a hormone that fosters connection and reduces stress.
- In 2010, the longest marathon hug lasted an incredible 36 hours, 36 minutes, and 36 seconds, setting a Guinness World Record.
- Hugs can boost your immune system by lowering levels of stress hormones, which can make your body more resilient to illness.
- According to research, people need at least four hugs a day for survival, eight for maintenance, and twelve for growth. So, don’t hold back!
Ways to Celebrate National Hugging Day
Celebrating National Hugging Day is all about spreading joy and warmth. Here are a few ways to take part in the festivities:
- Give a Hug: The simplest way to celebrate is by giving hugs to your loved ones, friends, and even coworkers. If you’re comfortable, you can even offer free hugs to strangers (with consent, of course!).
- Virtual Hugs: For those who are far away, sending a virtual hug through a message or video call can still bring that warm feeling of connection.
- Learn What Hugs Mean: Hugs can convey various emotions, depending on the relationship. Between friends, they often show support and trust. Among family, hugs express love and warmth, while in romantic relationships, they signify affection and intimacy. You can learn more about different kinds of hugs from this video:
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
