National Hugging Day™ – January 21st

Weltknuddeltag – Nationale Knuffeldag – Kramens Dag – Nacional Dia del Abrazo – Giornata Nazionale dell’Abbraccio – Journée nationale de Serrant (Câlin) – παγκόσμια ημέρα αγκαλιάς – Giornata nazionale dell’abbraccio – День объятий – „Международен ден на прегръдката“ – „Национален ден на прегръдката“ – ჩახუტების ნაციონალური დღე – राष्ट्रीय गले दिन 포옹(hug)하는날 or 안아주기하는날 – 全國擁抱日

National Hugging Day™, (frequently shortened to Hug Day, National Hug Day, International or Global or World Hug Day), was first widely celebrated in 1986 (39 Years!) after being published in “Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events.” Since that time, National Hugging Day™ has continued to grow internationally (USA, Canada, Brazil, Australia, UK and Ireland, Germany, Georgia, India, Sweden, Spain, Italy, France, Russia, South Africa, and 2023 promoted in Shanghai China as verified examples). National Hugging Day™ was created to encourage family and friends to hug more often (and consensually) with one another. Reasonable care should be taken with those who are either uncomfortable with public affection or their reaction to a hug is unknown. In those situations, it is advised to ask first before hugging and exchange consent. There is an abundance of past and current research available that finds positive touch, such as hugging, improves one’s physical, emotional and spiritual health. Embrace National Hugging Day™ every day!

“The Most Huggable Person of 2025” is:

Olesya Karpenko of Swannanoa, North Carolina USA. She is a member of the First Slavic Baptist Church of Swannanoa. She was chosen as Most Huggable of 2025 in part due to her spirit of volunteerism following the devastation from Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024. The church likely served over 400 people per meal. Olesya offered and engaged in free “caring hugs” to all those who came for a meal and encouragement in time of need. (photo credit: Seth Harrison/USA TODAY Network)

National Hugging Day™ was established in 1986 then formally copyrighted in 1989 at the US Copyright Office under “National Hugging Day Collection.” The name, National Hugging Day™, is under Trade Mark. This does not limit the celebration of such a day or observance. It does, however, provide limited ownership and full credit of the name and observance to the creator and founder as well as negotiating rights of any profit from any sales or marketing using National Hugging (Hug) Day™.

The founder and creator of National Hugging Day™ and National Hugging Day LLC, is Kevin Zaborney, QIDP (sometimes called an “Ambassador of Hugs”). He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Divinity degree from Boston University. Kevin is married to his wife (Pam) of 30 years and resides in Caro, Michigan, USA. Kevin is available for personal appearances and speaking engagements like school assemblies and media interviews. Contact him at the “Contact Us” tab. Experience the excitement of National Hugging Day™!

National Hugging Day™ is trademarked by Kevin Zaborney and National Hugging Day LLC. Permissions for use “where profit is received” must be directed to Kevin Zaborney, creator. Credit National Hugging Day LLC/Kevin Zaborney with “TM” in any promotions and link to: https://nationalhuggingday.wordpress.com/

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