NATIONAL HUGGING DAY

National Hug Day or National Hugging Day occurs on January 21 and is officially recognized by the United States Copyright Office, but is not a public holiday. The purpose of the day is to help everyone show more emotion in public. There is only one way you are supposed to celebrate the holiday, offer a hug to anyone and everyone you want. While National Hug Day and the Free Hugs Campaign share many similarities, there is not an association between the two. Whether you hug a family member or a stranger, the mental and physical health benefits are the same.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Give someone a big hug and use #NationalHuggingDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

The holiday was founded by Rev. Kevin Zaborney on March 29, 1986, in Caro, Michigan