National Hugging Day
About National Hugging Day
When is National Hugging Day? This holiday is always celebrated on January 21
Today is National Hugging Day, a January 21 holiday. What a great day it’s going to be! Today is an opportunity to give and to receive. Give a big bear hug, and you automatically receive one in return. Sure, someone might not hug back. But, how often does that happen!?!
Hugs are loving. They are therapeutic. Hugs are caring. They are celebratory, too. And, they make you feel good inside. It is a way to say everything is or will be okay. Have you ever received one from someone who didn’t care? I didn’t think so. That’s proof positive that you’re loved and cared about.
Celebrate today by giving the “big squeeze” to family, friends, and loved ones. You’ll love the warm feeling you get.
How to Participate in National Hugging Day
National Hugging Day is a day that we can all embrace. So, show a little affection to everyone you meet today. Here are some ways you can celebrate and enjoy this huggable holiday:
- Greet everyone you meet with a big smile. Immediately follow that up with a big, friendly squeeze.
- Kids don’t forget to put a big hug on your teddy bear and all of your other stuffed animals.
- Put the big squeeze on your pets, too.
Please Use Caution: It might not be wise to go up to strangers and give them a big, affectionate squeeze.
Today's Quote
“There’s a long life ahead of you and it’s going to be beautiful, as long as you keep loving and hugging each other.” – – Yoko Ono
History and Origin of National Hugging Day
National Hugging Day was created in 1986 by the Reverand Kevin Zaborney from Caro, Michigan. Strangely, this day is copyrighted. One would think that hugs should be given freely and without recourse. Regardless, we are thankful to Reverend Zaborney for creating this day and would love to thank him with a great, big hug.
We did not find any documentation confirming this is a “National” day. And we found no congressional records or presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – Learn why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
Countless important and historical events and notable birthdays occur every day of the year. Here are some things that happened on National Hugging Day:
- Edward Jenner introduces the smallpox vaccine. It eventually leads to wiping out this deadly disease. (1799)
- The first Kiwanis club is formed in Detroit. (1915)
- Edgar Allen Poe, author, and poet, most notably macabre and horror stories, was born on this day in 1809.
Related Holidays
If you like hugging and snuggling, here is another holiday that is perfect for you:
More January 21 Holidays
Here is another January 21 holiday for you to celebrate and enjoy:
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Honey Mustard Sauce – four recipes to choose from.
Plant of the Day: Ajuga
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards Send a free Ecard for National Hugging Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Certainly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in Januaryis a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? In addition to National Hugging Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. January holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great care to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.