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™, (occasionally shortened to Hug Day, National Hug Day, International or Global or World Hug Day), was first widely celebrated in 1986 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 examples). National Hugging Day™ was primarily created to encourage family and friends to hug 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 of 2024” are:

Staff at Ronald McDonald House Charities Crumlin Ireland and RMHC Ireland’s face of National Hugging Day 16 month old Sophie Mulligan (parents Melissa and Alan Mulligan from Limerick, Ireland) have been living here in The Ronald McDonald House for over 500 nights while Sophie has been in hospital. This year Sophie and Barróg (RMHC Ireland’s Mational Hugging Day hug rabbit) are giving people who donate to the charity a chance to win a holiday “to celebrate National Hug Day and beat those January blues.”

Sheriff Deputy Anthony Bussell, Johnson County, Kansas. On August 5, 2023, Deputy Anthony Bussell pulled over a driver for speeding. That driver was emotionally distressed sharing he was dealing with some personal challenges. Often common during traffic stops, experienced Deputy Bussell recognized the driver’s sincerity who then asked for a hug. Deputy Bussell responded without any hesitation to provide a warm hug to provide comfort. According to the body cam video, the driver asked, “Can I have a hug? I need a hug. Can I have a hug, please?” Deputy Bussell answered, “Sure. Sure. Yeah” as the driver cautiously exited the vehicle saying, “I don’t mean to bother you, but I’m sorry.” “No, you’re good, man” Deputy Bussell declared while hugging driver. “I promise you, it’s going to get better.” This is the kindness National Hugging Day (TM) seeks to promote. Great job Deputy!

“The Most Huggable Person of 2023” was:

CESARE CATANIA contemporary artist, painter, sculptor of Milan, Italy. He has been quoted to be the “The Modern Leonardo Da Vinci” by Luxury Life International Magazine. He has created “The Embrace Project” and the exhibit will be opened at the Salotto di Milano Gallery the week of National Hugging Day. Cesare Catania’s contemporary art exhibition shows, among others, four works of art related to the concept of “embrace,” two of which are unpublished (C and D Version – 2022). It all started in 2015 with a sketch (“The Embrace” A version) https://www.cesarecatania.eu/en/portfolio/embrace-a/ and with these two new unpublished versions in silicone and acrylic made at the end of 2022. The Embrace’ of Cesare Catania is an example of how contemporary art can become a tool to convey a message of brotherhood and peace like the one that World Hug Day wants to express. The art of Cesare Catania in this case shifts the attention towards the social message that the work itself transmits. Cesare Catania’s slogan, ‘Let’s go back to hugging each other’ reinforces the message of this International Hug Day. Not only do we have to hug each other, but we have to do it especially now that the pandemic and wars have accustomed us to hatred.”

The Most Huggable for 2022 were: G and the Jolly Cucumbers band for their HUGGABLE single/song “Wrap My Arms Around You”; AND 7-year-old Adam King from East Cork, Ireland who created Adam’s Virtual Hug. Past Most Huggable selections have included both public figures as well as down-to-earth common folk. Nominations are accepted by providing the name, contact information, and reason the nominee should be named to this honor. The nominees should be seen hugging or encouraging the value of hugging. Some past winners have included Joan Rivers who wrote after receiving her award, “I’m tempted to start saying ‘Can we hug?’ instead of ‘Can we talk'” alluding to her participating in a telephone company advert; Jeff Ondash (aka Teddy McHuggins); Tessla Queen (bingtopia.com); and Mata Amritanandamayi (Kerela, India known as the “Hugging Saint”); and actor Jason Ritter. Even an animated character, Baymax from the award-winning Disney film “Big Hero 6,” was selected in 2015!

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 28 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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