January 21, 2026: International Hug Day

Manuel Van den Broucke, sports, society and politics correspondent, January 21, 2025

Origin of International Hug Day

International Hug Day, also known as "National Hugging Day," was created on January 21, 1986 by Kevin Zaborney in the United States and aims to promote the benefits of hugging. Zaborney chose this date because it falls between the year-end holidays and Valentine's Day, a period often marked by lower spirits. Since then, this day has taken on international scope, encouraging people to give hugs to improve mood, reduce stress and strengthen social bonds. Public events such as "free hugs" are organized in the streets of New York and Tokyo, where strangers embrace to spread positivity.

The benefits of hugging on physical and mental health

Physically, hugging stimulates the production of oxytocin, a hormone often called the "happiness hormone," which helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. A study conducted at the University of North Carolina showed that frequent hugging lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and strengthens the immune system. Mentally, hugging fosters a sense of security, reduces anxiety and can even fight depression by raising serotonin and dopamine levels. In addition, initiatives such as "hug workshops" or "hug therapy" sessions are developing worldwide to help people find emotional balance in a caring environment.

The impact of hugging on our social relationships

By releasing oxytocin, hugging creates a sense of closeness that improves emotional bonds, whether in family, friendship or romantic relationships. For example, in a couple, a regular hug can reduce tension and strengthen marital satisfaction. In a family setting, children who receive frequent hugs develop better self-esteem and greater emotional security. Hugs can also resolve conflicts: they help defuse tension by fostering empathetic nonverbal communication. In the workplace, initiatives such as "hug days" in some companies have shown that a simple comforting gesture can improve team spirit and reduce feelings of isolation.

Hugs and science: what studies say

A study from the University of Pittsburgh showed that regular hugging can reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and lower blood pressure, thereby contributing to better cardiovascular health. Another study from Carnegie Mellon University showed that people who frequently receive hugs have a stronger immune system, reducing their vulnerability to infections such as the common cold. Psychologically, studies have shown that hugging raises levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and mood regulation.

Hugging in different cultures

In Western cultures, such as North America and Europe, hugging is often used as a gesture of friendship, comfort or greeting, particularly among close ones. For example, in the United States, it is common to see friends embrace when meeting or parting. In contrast, in some Asian cultures, such as Japan or South Korea, hugging is less common and reserved for intimate or family relationships, as public physical contact can be seen as intrusive. In Latin American cultures, such as Brazil or Mexico, hugs are often accompanied by a warm embrace. In some traditions, such as those of Indigenous peoples, hugging is considered a way of transmitting positive energy.