Hug your love on Hug Day - the sixth day of Valentine's week

Introduction

Happy Hug Day 2025! We all have that special person whose embrace makes us feel safe and at home, no matter what's going on around us.

Therefore on February 12th every year Hug Day is celebrated as part of Valentine's Week. It is one of the simplest and best ways to express love. Because hugs help people connect on a more intimate level.

In this month of love, Hug Day invites everyone to hug their loved ones, showing support, comfort, and unconditional love. So, hug your loved ones and surprise them with your affection!

Key Takeaways:

• Hug Day is observed on February 12 each year.
• This day is part of Valentine's Week and is celebrated to show love and support to loved ones by sharing physical or virtual hugs.
• Hugging boosts immunity, reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure.
• Public hugging became socially acceptable only in the last 50 years.
• International Hugging Day is celebrated on January 21 and it was created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney.
• Ways to celebrate Hug Day include morning hugs, giving gifts, sending virtual hugs, creating fun hug coupons, and sharing memories.

Why Is Hug Day Celebrated?

Hug Day is celebrated on 12th February, the sixth day of Valentine's Week. The purpose of the day is to help each person show extra emotion in public. Sometimes when words fail to convey our true feelings, the language of physical touch does everything. 

Hug Day is all about celebrating the power of physical touch in strengthening relationships and improving emotional well-being. One study shows hugging boosts immunity and reduces stress. Another study shows that oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone," reduces stress and blood pressure, especially in women who receive frequent hugs from their loved ones.
 

Now, the exact origins of Hug Day are unclear, but it has become a popular part of Valentine's Week.

Here are some other reasons why Hug Day is celebrated:

• Along with lowering blood pressure, it also improves sleep and lowers the risk of heart disease.
• Hugs are a universal form of communication that can transcend language barriers.
• To console someone or to show support.
• Hugging also eases anxiety.
• Before any games or performances, we usually hug each other as a way to show affection.

Why is International Hugging Day in January?

International Hugging Day or National Hugging Day is celebrated on January 21st every year. But is not a public holiday. It was created by Kevin Zaborney in 1986 and is officially recognized by the United States Copyright Office.

Zaborney picked January 21st for National Hug Day because it’s a time between Christmas, New Year's holidays, Valentine's Day, and birthdays when people tend to feel low in spirits. So, he hoped National Hug Day would change this situation, though he never thought it would actually catch on.

Many people don't like to show their emotions in public. But a simple hug can take away the fear and pain of others. So, National Hugging Day aims to change the way people look at emotions. And the Hug Day in February is based on the same idea!
 

A Brief History of Hug Day

The word "hug" comes from the Old Norse word "hugga," which means "to comfort." This word was first used around 450 years ago. 
However, the exact origins of the hugging custom are unknown. But as far as we know, it has only been for the past 50 years or so that public hugging has been seen as socially appropriate. And the idea of Hug Day in February during Valentine’s Week is even more recent!
Scientifically, having daily hugs is a necessary way to maintain relationships. But remember, no one likes unwanted affection! So, Zaborney suggests always asking if someone is comfortable with a hug. 

Additionally, hugs lower the stress hormone cortisol by releasing the happy hormone oxytocin. Hugs can also help control heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and frustration. So, Hug Day promotes warmth and joy by encouraging people to embrace their friends, family, strangers, and even pets. 

When Is Hug Day?

Each year, Hug Day is celebrated on February 12th. Just two days before Valentine’s Day, this day highlights the simple but powerful gesture of giving someone a hug to show support, love, and care.

Hug Day symbolizes the power of heartening embraces among friends, family, or loving partners to make one feel appreciated and loved.

Hug Day Dates

How To Celebrate Hug Day?

Now that you know when is hug day, let's see how you can celebrate this joyful occasion

Morning Hugs

Give your family, relatives, and friends morning hugs to start off Hug Day with love. These early cuddles make for a great start to the day.

Send Gifts

Give gifts to your partner, friend, or family member & give a hug day gift hamper.

Hug Your Loved Ones

What can be the most preferred thing to do on this day? Hugging! Hug your partner, friend, or family, along with a Hug Day gift hamper. If you're unsure what to give for Valentine's Day, check out these ideas for your lovely lady. Or, if you're looking for something for him, we've got you covered too!

Share Messages

For those far away, send virtual hugs! Use social media, text messages, or video calls to express love.

Design Fun Coupons

Design fun coupons that can be exchanged for hugs anytime. This playful idea adds surprise and excitement to Hug Day.

Share Your Hug Memories

Remind each other of the golden days and your sweet moments when you are together. Remembering those memories is a beautiful way to feel connected on Hug Day.

Conclusion

Hug Day, celebrated on 12th February, is a perfect opportunity to express your deepest affection in the most meaningful way. Let's celebrate the power of hugs! So spread the love today and send heartfelt wishes to your loved ones. Happy Hug Day everyone!