National Hugging Day on January 21: Origins, Meaning, and Ways to Celebrate

When is National Hugging Day?

National Hugging Day is celebrated every year on January 21, so the date never changes. The idea originated in the United States in 1986 and has since spread to other countries, including Germany, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It’s not an official holiday, so you won’t get the day off—but it is a good excuse to give someone you care about a hug.

Who started National Hugging Day?

National Hugging Day was created by American pastor Kevin Zaborney. In a 2011 interview, he said he first came up with the idea while studying at the University of Michigan. He felt there should be a day devoted entirely to hugging.

He launched National Hugging Day on January 21, 1986, in Clio, Michigan. It was also included in Chase’s Calendar of Events, a well-known American reference guide to holidays and special observances.

Zaborney said he initially expected people to laugh at the idea. Instead, it caught on well beyond the United States, eventually becoming a day people celebrate around the world.

Why is National Hugging Day on January 21?

Zaborney picked January 21 for a reason: It falls between Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Once the holidays are over, people tend to get together less often, winter can seem to drag on, and some people feel lonely or a little down. National Hugging Day was meant to bring a little extra warmth and connection to that time of year.

Why is it sometimes called World Hug Day?

National Hugging Day is the original name, since the observance began in the United States. As the idea spread, other names caught on, including International Hug Day and World Hug Day. In German, it’s known as Weltknuddeltag or Welt-Umarm-Tag. All of these names refer to the same January 21 observance.

Who is National Hugging Day for?

Anyone you care about—not just your significant other. Zaborney wanted families and close friends to show their affection more often. So you might hug your partner, your parents, your kids, your grandparents, or a good friend.

The one rule: Make sure the other person wants a hug, too. If you’re not sure, just ask first. And if someone doesn’t like being touched, a thoughtful message can mean just as much.

How can you celebrate National Hugging Day?

You don’t need to plan anything elaborate. Just take a moment to hug someone you care about—without rushing. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Start the day with a long hug for your partner.
• Reach out to someone you haven’t seen in a while. If you meet up in person, share a hug.
• Send a sweet text or voice message to someone who lives far away.
• If you’re not sure whether someone wants a hug, ask first.

Want to make sure you never miss National Hugging Day? Add it as a custom date in Anniversaries & Photo Collages, and you’ll see how many days are left until your next chance to celebrate. The app is free and ad-free, with no account required and no tracking. Download it from the App Store.