What kind of holiday is this?

International Hug Day around the world is celebrated every year on January 21. This is a rather unusual and positive holiday, because on this day people can hug each other. It is interesting that you can hug not only a relative, but also a random passerby. Another Hug Day is celebrated on December 4.

How did the idea to celebrate International Hug Day come about?

International Hug Day was started on January 21, 1986 in the USA (Michigan state). Such an unusual idea was suggested by the pastor of one of the Protestant churches – Kevin Zaborni. He claimed that Americans behave too restrained and do not show their feelings. In this way, people try to isolate themselves from others and preserve their inviolability. Some generally consider touching panifraternal relations, unacceptable in communication with strangers. And the lion’s share of people are ashamed to show their feelings in public.

Considering the fact that Kevin Zaborni was a church figure, he put a Christian meaning in hugs. All people on earth are brothers and sisters, and hugging is an action that helps to recognize and understand this.

The holiday, which was started in a narrow circle, first acquired a national scale, and later spread all over the world.

January 21

There are two versions regarding the choice of the date of celebration. The first is that January 21 falls between Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Despite the positive New Year and Christmas holidays, many people experience a worsening of their mood, and hugs are designed to improve emotions.

According to another version, January 21 was chosen as a “lucky number” because it contains three sevens. Although the holiday quickly spread outside the United States, it is not official. Since recently International Hug Day began to be celebrated in Ukraine as well, it is especially popular among young people.

“Free Hugs”

The Free Hugs movement, which is translated from English as Free hugs. On International Hug Day, participants of this project are the first to approach people and hug them. The founder of the movement is Ken E. Nwadike Jr., an American documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, and activist who actively advocates for world peace.

What do scientists say about hugs?

12 hugs a day

People, as a rule, do not think about how many times a day they perform the act of hugging. However, there is a certain quota that helps us grow and develop. Scientists say that a person needs four hugs a day for survival, 8 for a sense of security, and 12 for development. It seems that this is too much, but we can achieve these results without even thinking about it. You just need to use every opportunity to hug – hug your children, loved ones, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances.

Stress relief

In a 2015 study of 404 healthy adults, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that social support and hugs can protect a person from catching a cold after being exposed to the virus. People who felt more social support were less likely to catch colds. Researchers also calculated that the effect of hugs is 32% less stress. Even those with a cold who felt more social support and received more hugs from loved ones had less severe symptoms.

20 seconds of perfect hugs

Despite the fact that, on average, one hug with a friend or family member is about 3 seconds (a quick hug before continuing the conversation), longer hugs of 20 seconds or more are good for health. During hugs, the body releases oxytocin, a hormone that relaxes and reduces anxiety. It is often called the “cuddle hormone”. Released within 20 seconds of a hug, this hormone lowers blood pressure and reduces the stress hormone norepinephrine.

Freedom from fear

Scientists have found that hugging — even if it’s just an inanimate object like a teddy bear — helps calm inner fears. Interpersonal touch is such a powerful mechanism that even objects that can mimic the touch of another person help instill a sense of calm and danger.

Postcards for the International Day of Hugs

More cards for International Hug Day

How to celebrate International Hug Day?

Many are interested in the question, what should be done to get as much benefit as possible from this holiday? The founders of the holiday give quite simple advice:

• Hug a friend. Those who have many friends are especially lucky. The more friends, the more hugs. While hugging, close your eyes and think about how much you love your boyfriend or girlfriend. You can use different types of hugs.
• Hug a stranger. In our time of social isolation and lack of personal contacts, it is difficult for many people to step over themselves and hug the first person they meet. However, tactile contact with strangers has an unusual therapeutic effect. The “Free Hugs” promotion is interesting, which allows you to hug passers-by without causing inconvenience.
• Embrace yourself. You don’t have to go far to get a hug. You can raise your mood independently, get high self-esteem and a sense of security when no one is around. Wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a big hug. Remember that first of all we have to love ourselves.

It should be said that there is an official site dedicated to Hug Day. Every year on January 21, it publishes the results of the competition for the number of hugs.

Why do we love this day?

This day is important for every person because it helps to feel important and give others a sense of importance. Children especially like this holiday, as they are more open and express their feelings more easily. Embrace protect from internal fears, soothe, heal from diseases. And the International Day of Hugs helps to understand that we are dependent on each other and need touches from those around us every day.

When will we celebrate International Hug Day?