Let’s Hug Day on December 3 celebrates the warmth and comfort of a hug. Hugs are very versatile. Many of us hug when we wish to share our happiness with family and friends. At the same time, hugs are a staple when we are feeling low and need someone to just hold and console us. Hugs are also the perfect reconciliatory gesture when you want to make up with someone after a fight. Scientifically, hugs are known to release good hormones that can help lower your blood pressure and stress levels.
History of Let’s Hug Day
There are no clear sources to indicate the origins of Let’s Hug Day, but some suggest Kevin Zaborney was the mastermind behind the day. This is still questionable as Zaborney called the day the National Hugging Day, which falls on January 31. Zaborney’s holiday is recorded in the famous Chase’s Calendar of Events that also hosts a number of other unique holidays. The idea behind having a National Hugging Day (and we assume the same for Let’s Hug Day too) was to encourage people to show affection to each other. Hugging raises people’s spirits by allowing them to feel another person’s warmth and sincerity. Zaborney did advise to first ask people if they were okay with hugging as nobody likes nonconsensual affection, even if it comes in the form of hugs.The word ‘hug’ is thought to come from the Old Norse word ‘hugga’, which means “to comfort”. Other scholars speculate that the word may have originated from the German word ‘hegen’ that roughly translates to ‘cherish’ or ‘foster’. In the English language, ‘hug’ is said to have been used somewhere in the 16th century. While the etymology and history of the word may differ, the emotion behind it has more or less stayed the same since the inception of the act. Babies, who know nothing about the outside world, reach out to their mothers/fathers for a dose of love and comfort. In fact, if babies do not receive regular cuddles and hugs from their parents, their relationship tends to take a beating. Therefore, having daily hugs is a necessary way to maintain relationships. Moreover, hugs also release the happy hormone called oxytocin, reducing cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Hugs can also help regulate blood pressure, heartbeats, depression, anxiety, and frustration.
Let’s Hug Day timeline
The English language records the first instance of ‘hug’ being used as a verb.
Kevin Zaborney commemorates the first National Hugging Day to encourage people to show affection to each other in public.
Researchers at Mulawarman University in Indonesia discover that hug therapy helps adolescents suffering from depression.
Hugging helps increase feelings of trust, love, friendship, and affection.
Let’s Hug Day FAQs
What are the three types of hugs?
There are several different types of hugs, so they are not limited to just three. However, the three most common types of hugs could be the side hug, front hug, and hugging from behind.
Why are hugs so powerful?
When you hug someone or something, oxytocin is released. The hormone is known as the ‘happy’ or the ‘love’ hormone, and it helps lift your spirits.
What are the benefits of hugs?
Hugging has tons of benefits, and some of them include reducing stress and blood pressure levels whilst boosting our immune systems and improving our mental health.
How To Celebrate Let’s Hug Day
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Hug your loved ones
This is your day to show your loved ones how much they mean to you in every sense of the word. Start by giving a hug to set the tone. This is also the day to make up with someone you have had a falling out with. When words fail, hugs do the job of conveying what you are feeling.
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Offer a hug to a stranger
As you are going about your day, try giving a hug to a stranger, and, of course, ask them if it’s okay before you do. While it is the official Let’s Hug Day, you still do not want to upset anyone by giving out unsolicited affection.
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Give hugs regularly
Hugging should not be limited to just one day. You should give and take hugs throughout the year as it allows you to strengthen your affections for others. And why should humans have all the fun? Hug your pets and plants too!
5 Facts About Hugs That Will Blow Your Mind
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It increases immunity
Yes, hugging can help increase your immunity and help you fight against viral/bacterial ailments.
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Hug for a healthy heart
Research shows that people who receive regular hugs have lower heart rates and blood pressure compared to those who do not.
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Good for babies/children
Babies and children who receive hugs have higher levels of oxytocin, which can strengthen their immune systems.
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Reduces fears
Hugging someone or something can help reduce fears one may have in life.
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General happiness
Hugging releases serotonin and oxytocin, both of which are feel-good hormones that make people happier overall.
Why We Love Let’s Hug Day
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It’s a celebration of hugs
Hugs are one of the first comforting actions known to humankind. We reach out to hug people when we are feeling high or low. Hugs are a way to assure someone that you are there for them through thick and thin, come what may.
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It’s a celebration of good health
Numerous research studies have pointed to the immense benefits that hugging has on our health mentally and physically. A hug can help keep our hearts healthy while also increasing our immunity and ability to fight infections. Hugs can also help reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and stress.
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It’s a celebration of happiness
Hugs and happiness go hand in hand. There are no two ways about it. Period.
Let’s Hug Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | December 3 | Saturday |
| 2023 | December 3 | Sunday |
| 2024 | December 3 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 3 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | December 3 | Thursday |
