National Hugging Day
Ranked #1,380 in Holidays & Celebrations, #21,987 overall
National Hugging Day
I know what you must be thinking, "what kind of stupid made up holiday is this?"
But, WAIT!!!
Its actually pretty cool. National Hug Day, a.k.a National Hugging Day is officially recognized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Its a great way to show someone you care or to make someone you know feel special. It is about sharing LOVE and PEACE with humans or maybe your favorite pet! Who cares who... WE just got to get out there and make a difference and put some smiles on faces.
Giving someone a hug can bring an instant smile to anyone's face. And let's face it! It just FEELS SO GOOD.
Photo Credit: ATFSNC
National Hugging Day History
So you must be wondering, "How did this wonderful Holiday begin?"Glad you asked, let me tell you. It all started 26 years ago by Pastor Kevin Zaborney. He came up with the idea while studying at the University of Michigan, "there was no such day to observe the very important act of hugging one another." His ideas was published in Chase's Annual Events and it really took off. Since then, National Hug Day has spread to Canada, England, Australia, Germany and Poland.It was recognized a National Holiday on January 21st, 1986.
Today National Hugging Day is celebrated Worldwide. According to Zaborney, "It is one day to encourage families and friends to be grateful for the gift of one another and of life through hugging one another."
As you pass out hugs on National Hugging Day, remember Zaborney's advice: "Always ask first!"
Countdown to National Hugging Day
“A hug is a universal medicine, it is how we handshake from the heart. Anonymous”
Hello Kitty Free Hugs Pullover
Poll on National Hugging Day
Please choose you level of participation for this years Hug Day.
FREE HUGS Campaign
The Free Hugs campaign was started by a young guy in Australia named Juan Mann back in 2004. Apparently, Mann was feeling sort of depressed and noticed that a hug made him feel so much better. And that is basically how this hugging frenzy began. Mann would stand on the streets of Australia holding a very simple sign which read FREE HUGS. Many people just passed him by because quite frankly he must have looked like some kind of freak, standing there with that sign. However, one women did not think so and walked right up to him to receive her free hug. That was the beginning of this hugging movement.Naturally, there was opposition from the authorities for this random Hugging and Mann was ordered to stop hugging people immediately. A lot of attention was received for the FREE HUGS Campaign and Mann ended up on the Oprah show giving everyone hugs including Oprah.
Mann has since retired from his FREE HUGS Campaign, but the spirit lives on. The FREE HUGS campaign is a story worth remembering and should be a part of National Hugging Day. It is quite a simple message about kindness and love and reaching out to others. It is a true random act of kindness.
Free Hugs Campaign Video
Song by Sick Puppies
“"A hug is like a boomerang - you get it back right away." - Bill Keane”
Hugging Gifts
Type of Hugs
What do these hugs mean?
Lean and Pat
Standing over a foot apart the individuals simply lean in toward one another and embrace while patting each other on the back. This type of hug really says I do not know you very well or I feel awkward. This hug is truly anti-social and after receiving one of these hugs, I usually wish I hadn't even bothered.
The Went in for a Handshake Came Out a Hug
This is a common hug you most likely have found yourself in. You extend your hand for a handshake and the next thing you know, you are embraced in a hug with someone you really do not know very well at all. Talk about awkward moments.
The Won't Let Go
You are embraced in a hug and wondering when this going to be over. You are just standing there at the mercy of the hugger waiting for a release. I remember this hug quite often when I was a child visiting my Great Aunt in a nursing home. And the elderly patients would be so excited to see a child, which caused them to want a hug. It all seems harmless enough. Anyway, they would latch on and I just stood there very awkwardly waiting for them to let me go. Unfortunately, that uncomfortable feeling is etched in my brain forever. I think parents should think twice about letting strangers hug there children regardless of how innocent it may be. A hug should really be engaged by two willing participants.
Cheek to Cheek Hug
A cute hug shared among friends, typically of the female gender. It is simply done by pressing your cheeks together with no arms or body contact, while both parties are facing forward. This hug makes for some really great photo ops.
Heart Hug
This is a true hug which comes from the heart. The embrace is tight and your bodies are closely pressed together. After this hug there is a definite connection between the huggers. This is the hug of all hugs!
Hey I haven't seen you in Ages
You just notice someone you have not seen in a long time and you run up to them and loosely wrap both your arms around them. This hug lasts only a few seconds and ends with a few laughs and the question; How are you?
Bear Hug
This is the type of hug children give. It is a fully body hug with your arms wrapped tightly around someone. This hug lasts a bit longer and sometimes accompanied by a rocking motion. It should be a gentle squeeze; if it is too hard it becomes a Python hug, which is a squeeze so tight that you cannot breathe. I love bear hugs and am fortunate to receive this type of hug from my son on a daily basis.
Fake Hug (a.k.a. Let's Get This Over With As Fast as Possible Hug)
Everyone with a sibling will remember this hug quite well. Remember when your mother made you apologize and hug your brother or sister after an argument or fight. In this hug the participants stand as far apart as possible while being able to lean in and grab the others shoulders. This hug is super fast and over in a nanosecond.
Hugging Between Men and Women
Hugging between members of the opposite sex are usually initiated by women. Depending on the intensity and duration of this hug, it can signify an attraction, friendship or love.
Women Hugging Women
It is very common for women to hug each other to express friendship or warmth. This type of hug can be followed with a kiss on the cheek or more touching. Since hugging is considered a feminine act by society this type of hugging is widely accepted.
Men Hugging Men
A handshake is preferred due to many cultural differences. However when a hug between two men does take place, it is typically short with very little or no body contact. The handshake hug is typically how a hug between men begins and ends with some serious backslapping.
Photo: Free Digital Images
Show your spirit for Hug Day
Huggrz
Huggrz Aspen Boot Wrap 
Furry Boots are Everywhere! While they're the hot style this winter, we understand you might not want to commit to just one pair. I couldn't choose, and now you don't have to either! Wear them scrunched down on short boots, pulled up on tall boots, or pulled up on your legs to make your short boots look tall!
This is why you should try out our Aspen Collection of faux fur boot wraps. They're boot covers that fit right over boots you already own.
In addition, they are easier to clean than actual fur boots. 100% Acrylic and Made in the USA.
Hugging Etiquette
Hugging is a wonderful way to show affection to those you love, but also to show support to our friends and others around us. Hugging is a necessary part of human life. It strengthens relationships with our loved ones. However, an individual lacking hugs can show some signs of emotional stress.
Hugging is definitely a hot trend amoung the younger set and may be replacing a percentage of the the customary handshake. However, there are rules associated with hugging, a sort of hugging etiquette.
Respect an individuals space.
You can quickly tell by someones body language if they are a pro-hugger or an anti-hugger. Cultures, age, gender and family background play a significant role in how an individual feels about hugging. So be sure to watch the signs.
Always ask permission before hugging someone, unless you know them really well.
Never just assume it is okay to give someone a hug. If you have to ask you probably should not do it.
Remember the 3 second rule
A friendly hug is a quick hug, anything over 3 seconds you are entering into the a more passionate embrace. Which should be reserved between two romantic partners.
Good hygiene is essential.
Take the sniff test. After after a good workout may not be the best time to pass out a hug. Bad smells can be quite offensive to someone else.
Hugs in the workplace
Handshaking is much more acceptable in today's workplace. Unless of course if you know the co-worker very well. With all the Sexual Harassment cases, tread very lightly in this arena.
Good Hugs
Benefits of Hugging
Hugging Can Heal a Broken Heart
Did you know that hugging is good for your health.
A study conducted by the American Psychosomatic Society claims "A brief hug and 10 minutes of hand holding with a romantic partner also greatly reduces the harmful physical effects of stress." Hugging is essential for healthy social and psychological development and is something we need each and everyday. Hugging is also good for the immune system and is said to decrease the risk for Heart Disease.
From the moments of birth we experience our first hug from our mothers, and throughout our lives. When we fell and skinned our knees, our Mothers would hug us and tell us everything would be better and she was right. As we grew and times were difficult, Mom was there again with her arms around us. The safe wonderful feeling you felt from a mothers embrace is part of the beautiful person you have became.
Hugs and Kisses Gift Baskets
Any Occasion
Hug Quotes
Here are some quotes about hugging which you may enjoy. The first one is my personal favorite.
"A hug a day keeps the psychiatrist away." ~ Dawn Juhas
A hug is like a boomerang - you get it back right away. ~Bil Keane, "Family Circus"
Millions and millions of years would still not give me half enough time to describe that tiny instant of all eternity when you put your arms around me and I put my arms around you. ~Jacques Prévert
You can't wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug. ~Author Unknown
Hug Department: Always Open ~Author Unknown
I love hugging. I wish I was an octopus, so I could hug ten people at a time. ~Drew Barrymore
Arm ourselves for war? No! All the arms we need are for hugging. ~Author Unknown
A hug is a handshake from the heart. ~Author Unknown
A hug delights and warms and charms,that must be why God gave us arms.~Author Unknown
A hug is the shortest distance between friends. ~Author Unknown
A hug is a great gift - one size fits all, and it's easy to exchange. ~Author Unknown
A kiss without a hug is like a flower without the fragrance. ~Proverb
Photo Credit: ATFSNC
Childrens Books about Hugs
XOXO Meaning...
How did XOXO come to mean Hugs and Kisses?According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first X appeared in literary works in 1901. However, the title of the work is not mentioned. Apparently there are two different views on which letter signifies which action. Some claim the X represents the crossed arms of a hug and that the O as the puckered lips of a kiss. While this could be true, I think the other way seems to make much more sense and is also the more common interpretation of the two.
X Marks the Spot with a Kiss
You are familiar with sign here at the X. There was a time in history when people did not use signatures, instead they wrote the letter X. The X represented the Christian cross and is also the first letter of the Greek Word for Christ, Xristos. The "X" signified a sworn oath between two parties at a time before most people knew how to write. It was a mark of honor and their word.
Sealed with a Kiss
Everyone is familiar with this phrase. At the end of the document the "X" was placed and a kiss was planted directly on the "X." This was a seal of honesty. And is relevant to the way a bible is kiss or when you kiss the fingers after making a Christian cross.
Orgins of the "O" are a bit more of a Mystery
It has been said that the O's could represent two arms in a circle held around another person forming a hug.
I found this meaning to be much more interesting. According to Leo Rosten's, "The Joys of Yiddish" Illiterate Jewish immigrants used an "O" when signing documents to avoid the Christian cross mark which was the "X".
Photo:Languages Alive
Hugs and Kisses Jewelry
Sterling Silver Diamond Accented Hugs and Kisses Bracelet 7.25"
This charming 'hugs and kisses' bracelet is crafte more...0 points
1.00 Carat Diamond & Sterling Silver Kisses & Hugs Necklace
Diamond luxury for less! Crafted in sterling silve more...0 points
Authentic Ohm Beads Hug Kiss SPACER Fits European Bead Bracelets
Solid Sterling Silver Slim Beads SPACER0 points
Sterling silver "hugs and kisses" cufflinks with presentation box
Sterling silver "hugs and kisses" cuffli more...0 points
925 Sterling Silver Hugs and Kisses Bracelet 7.5 Inches "FREE SHIPPING"
Sterling Silver Hugs and Kisses Bracelet. Length : more...0 points
14K Gold GH Diamond Hugs & Kisses Round Pendant
Designed in 14KT Yellow, this diamond Hugs and Kis more...0 points
1.00ct TDW Diamond Hugs and Kisses Bracelet in Sterling Silver - 7.5"
You simply can't live without this gorgeous bracel more...0 points
Hugs & Kisses Diamond Tennis Bracelet 1/2 Carat (ctw) in Sterling Silver
This beautiful diamond bracelet features a 1/2 car more...0 points
14K White Gold GH Diamond Hugs & Kisses Round Pendant
Designed in 14KT White, this diamond Hugs and Kiss more...0 points
Gold Jewelry - Hugs & Kisses Royal Pave Gold Bracelet
This is a 14K Royal Pave hugs and kisses gold brac more...0 points
9201 - Hershey - Sterling Silver XOXO Pendant
@2010 The Hershey Company. HERSHEY'S KISSES, the K more...0 points
Hugs & Kisses Charm in Sterling Silver for Kera, Pandora and SilveRado Bracelets
Express your sentiments with a sterling silver hug more...0 points
Hugs & Kisses XOXO 925 Sterling Silver Spacer Bead fits European Charm Bracelet
An X & O, the universal symbols for Hugs & more...0 points
Sterling Silver Polished Hugs And Kisses Ring -Size 7
This item comes from our collection of fine Sterli more...0 points
Don't Forget!
Get out there and let your family and friends know how they make you feel and give them a BIG HUG!
Thanks for Visiting, please come again
National Hug Day
Start Spreading the Hugs
Hugs and love
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Hugs Hugs Hugs
- Hugs & Hisses
- HUG: The Monterey County Planning Commission was smart to push the fine folks of the Pebble Beach Co. to provide some affordable housing inside those swanky gates. Apparently some Pebble Beachers would rather pay a lump sum in order to be relieved of ...
- IN BLACK & WHITE: JUMPS, HUGS, KISSES... & A LOT OF SWEAT
- Shah Rukh Khan can sweat, jump, kiss, hug like a man-child but he can be forgiven, for he is encouraging another sport: no not gymnastics, it's football. By picking up 50% stake in Dempo DC, the Goan football club, he may have just given football a ...
- Anchorage "Free Hugs" Event Brings Out Smiles
- By Jason Lamb Channel 2 News Anchorage man Jerry Addis, along with his family and friends, doled out free hugs last Friday night as part of an event he organized in downtown Anchorage with his family and friends, all of whom were decked out with signs ...
Hugging Toys
A Birthday Hug for My Friend
I am dedicating this Lens to my dear Friend Melanie who shares her birthday on this fabulous Hugging Day! I know I can always count on her, when I need a Hug. Happy Birthday Mel, I love you! XOXO
What do you think of National Hug Day?
Thanks for visiting and come back often.
-
-
snappycanvas
May 26, 2012 @ 2:03 am | delete
- I love this idea of "hugging day"! Surely, I'll be keeping this date!
-
-
-
Auntie-M
May 1, 2012 @ 9:30 pm | delete
- I feel very snuggy wuggy. Sorry I missed it this year. Well, that gives me a lot of time to practice for next year.
-
-
-
JaguarJulie Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:51 pm | delete
- I love the concept and would warmly embrace rolling out National Hug Day to every day of thine year.
-
-
-
JohannTheDog Apr 9, 2012 @ 8:00 am | delete
- I be lucky! Everyday is hugging day at our house!
-
-
-
drbilltellsexcitingstories
Apr 5, 2012 @ 9:21 pm | delete
- Hugs are good, anytime! Thanks for the smile! And, for visiting my Easter Egg lens! ;-)
-
-
-
cffutah
Apr 2, 2012 @ 9:28 pm | delete
- The world would be a happier place if more people hugged! *blessed by a squid angel*
-
-
-
Steve_Kaye
Apr 1, 2012 @ 10:20 pm | delete
- Great idea. I'm going to hug my wife right now. She's in the next room.
-
-
-
SophiaStar
Apr 1, 2012 @ 2:52 am | delete
- Everyday should be National Hug day:) wonderful lens!
-
-
-
three-em
Mar 26, 2012 @ 1:56 am | delete
- love this day.. :)
hug from me..
and thank you for sharing..
-
-
-
GoodGirlSEO
Mar 19, 2012 @ 10:12 am | delete
- I love national hug day. It's one of my favorite holidays. I wish more people would participate! Maybe your lens will get the word out!
-
- Load More
This Lens recieved a Purple Star!
Yipee!
Thank you, thank you and thank you...
Purple is definitely my favorite color. Thanks again for the nominations everyone and for the Purple Star Award!
This lens has been blessed by an Angel
Thank you Squid Angels for spreading some of your magical Angel dust and blessing this lens.
Would you like to Squidoo?
Anyone can create pages or lenses on Squidoo!
Join Squidoo and create your own lenses. Lenses are mini web pages which focus on specific topics. Squidoo is free to join and you can earn some money through affiliate marketing. You can write about anything which interests you. Use these interests to create a lens and help others learn more about topic. Sound fun? It is and highly addictive. The squidoo community is also a great place to meet some new friends. Ready to join? Click right here.
Wizzley? Yes, Wizzley is similair to Squidoo, it's free to join and you have an opportunity to earn some money through affiliate links. Put your creativity to good use and join Wizzley to start earning some extra money.
My Links
- Cool Dorm Stuff
- Find all your Cool Dorm Room needs and so much more! Get some great Dorm Room ideas or Funny Tees.
- Gadgets and Gizmos for College Students
- Find out what is on the hot list of Gadgets.
- Best Food Processors Guide
- See what is the latest and best in Food Processors on the market today.
Compare the different features and read what others have to say. Make an educated purchase. - Masticating Juicer Reviews
- Find out what exactly a Masticating Juicer is and why you should have one.
There are so many health benefits in juicing today. Read my reviews of the top Masticating Juicers and read reviews by consumers who own them. - Natural Pet Direct
- A website dedicated to all the natural products available for our pets.
With so many harmful products on the market, it is time to get back to basics with some natural products.
by ScottiesRock
Luckily I grew up in a family of great huggers. A Hug can make all the difference in the world and really make you feel so much better. Hopefully, I... more »
- 38 featured lenses
- Winner of 39 trophies!
- Top lens » Let's give it up for the Geeks, it's Geek Pride Day!
- This lens »
Won purple star
Explore related pages
- Why I love the SCOTTIE DOG! Why I love the SCOTTIE DOG!
- Maryland Crab Cake Recipe Maryland Crab Cake Recipe
- Gadgets & Gizmo's for College Students Gadgets & Gizmo's for College Students
- Cool Dorm Stuff Cool Dorm Stuff
- National Awkward Moments Day: March 18th National Awkward Moments Day: March 18th
- National High Five Day National High Five Day
How to Hug
The Art of Hugging: The World-Famous Kissing Coach Offers Inspiration and Advice on Why, Where, and How to Hug
Amazon Price: $22.98 (as of 06/03/2012)
Teddy Bear Hugs
Gund 2011 Amazon Exclusive Limited Edition Custom Bear
Amazon Price: $45.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
