February 12, 2024

“Spring air also in the home

I will not go anywhere

Hug & happiness returned

with quiet & silent time

Yaaa…   this little can be expected.”

    – jotsna jari 

   🔼

The hug is a form of endearment, universal in most human communities, in which two or more people put their arms around neck, back or waist of one another and hold each other closely. The “HUG” (first used in 1560s) could be related to the Old Norse word “HUGGA”. The hypothesis is that the word is related to the German word “HEGEN”. Hugs are an essential form of physical touch. This can be a sign of romantic, security, emotional support, friendship or love. The hug, sometimes in association with a kiss, is a form of non verbal communication. To celebrate this manifestation of love, Hug Day is commemorated on February 12. every year. The hug is one of the most natural gestures. This lovely day encourages hugging, as a therapeutic way to convey affection and emotions. We love all types of hugs, from one-armed hug to full hug. So let’s get hugging !!   

Happy Hug Day 

🔺 History  : 

The word “hug” is believed to come from the ancient Scandinavian word “hugga” meaning “hippy,” — actually, it means “to comfort.”

 Hugging involves both hands, so it’s likely it was a way to prove friendship . It’s ingrained in our culture. 

Research shows that babies wither without hugs from their mothers and that holding and touching reduces anxiety, improves sleep and helps us empathize with others as we grow up.

They have been determined to be approximately 6000 years old

, so we know for sure that people already hugged each other in Neolithic times. When we hug, we wrap our arms around another person. 

🔺Scientific Facts About Hugging :        

1).  The average hug time 3.17 seconds :- 

A study led by Ms Nagy from the University of Dundee analyzed 188 spontaneous hugs between athletes and their coaches, competitors and supporters during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games (Nagy, 2011). 

The results :  The average hug lasted 3.17 seconds and was not affected by the gender composition of the hugging pair or the nationalities of the two huggers.

2).  Humans have hugged each other since thousands of years :-              

No one knows when the first hug between two humans took place, but we do know that hugs have been in the human behavioral repertoire for at least several thousand years.  In 2007, a team of archaeologists discovered the so-called “Valdaro’s Lover” in a Neolithic tomb near Mantua, Italy (Stewart, 2007).  The lovers are a pair of human skeletons buried in a tight embrace.  They have been dated to approximately 6000 years old, so we know for sure that people were already hugging each other during the Neolithic period.        

      The Lovers of Valdaro in Italy, male                   skeleton is on the left, and the

           female skeleton is on the right.

3).  Hug to the Right :-                                

We found that overall, most people hugged to the right. In the emotionally neutral situation in which strangers hugged a blindfolded person, 92% hugged to the right. However, in more emotional situations, that is, when people hugged their friends or partners at the airport, only about 81% of people hugged to the right. Since the left hemisphere of the brain controls the right half of the body and vice versa, we believe that this leftward shift in hugging is due to a greater involvement of the right hemisphere of the brain for emotional processes during hugging in these situations.

4).  Hugging improves Health :-

Individuals who had received a hug from their partner prior to being stressed showed significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate than those who did not touch their partners.  Thus, hugging leads to lower reactivity to stressful events and may benefit cardiovascular health. 

🔺 Sweet & Warm SMS, Messages & Quotes : 

1.  If a hug could convey how much I love you, I would hold you in my arms forever.

2.  Sending your way a warm hug, to let you know that I am thinking of you and I miss you.

3.  Sending you a hug to ease your stress a kiss to make you smile and my heart to say, I’m thinking of you. Happy hug day!!

4.  You can’t wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug. That must be why God gave us arms. So here is a hug for you on this hug day.

5.  There is one gift which can’t be given without taking it back that is why I give you a hug, happy hugging day!!

6.  A hug is a way to share joy, happiness, and sadness, I want to hug you, as I want to share everything with you.

7.  I want to hug you so tightly, and want to make you mine forever.

8.  Sending you today a hug from across the miles so warm and tight, the distances would disappear, and you’d know how much I love you!

9.  A hug is a handshake from the heart, and I am sure a hug will help you feel calm and happy.

10.  A hug is a language of love. Let me express that, it is still unspoken between us.

11.  I have a lot of love for you. Hug me and let it flow in your soul.

12.  In the warmth of my hug, you will feel the depth of my emotion.

13.  There is one gift in this world giving which is as good as receiving. And I give it to you today.

14.  A hug warms, delights and charms. It’s the best gift to give to your beloved, and I’m sending you one today.

15.  I know you love gifts. I am sending you one that is huge. It’s a hug from me to you!

16.  Never wait until tomorrow to hug someone. You could hug today because when you give the one you get one right back your way.

17.  Sometimes it’s better to put love into hugs than to put it into words.

18.  A hug is a great gift- one size fits all, and it’s easy to exchange.

19.  Hugging is a silent way of saying, “you matter to me”. Happy hug day. 

20.  It is always the perfect time to hug your loved one, just hug and feel the warmth of love. Happy hug day. 

21.  A hug is a loving gift that costs no money and can be distributed for free to make the love grow. Happy hug day.

22.  Feel the presence of love, wrapped up within a hug. Happy hug day.

23.  Sending the warmest hugs to the coolest friend I have, happy hug day.

24.  A hug might be the simplest gesture but it feels amazing, happy hug day.

🔺  7 Types Of Hugs & Relationships : 

1. Side hug :- 

A side hug is when two parties hug each other with their arms around their waist or the other person’s shoulders.  Usually they stand side by side, one using the left hand and the other using the right hand.

This hug is more between acquaintances than friends.

2.  Friend hug :- 

A friend hug is a traditional, two-armed hug where both people’s chests are touching.

3.  Hugging from behind :- 

This hug indicates a romantic relationship or a parent-child relationship.

4.  Hugging around the waist :- 

With this type of hug, both partners’ waists are completely aligned and their arms are wrapped around each other’s waists. In this position, they can lean back and look at each other in the eyes.

This is an intimate romantic hug, which provides an opening for someone to make the next move.

5.  Bear Hugs :-

Bear hugs are usually done standing up.  It’s like a normal hug but much closer, tighter and usually longer.  Bear hugs can also be taken while lying down, what Mattenson calls a “blanket of love,” lying on top of one.

6.  One-sided hug :- 

In a one-sided hug, both people are facing each other. One is usually receiving the hug while the other is giving it. The receiver is typically limp with their arms by their side. The giver (or supporter) is squeezing the other one tightly.

7.  Heart-to-heart hugs :- 

In a heart-to-heart hug, both huggers approach the hug from their left sides, so their hearts touch first.  This can be done in a standing or sitting position.  While sitting, your arms and legs can be intertwined.  Mattenson recommends holding it for three minutes or longer.

🔺 Hug Day Poem  :

You were a long way traveler

 then you came near 

 Stay together for a few days

 you got pain

 from the thron 

 The soft scent 

 of some flowers

 was shared between twos 

This is how the journey begins  

 our words…  our pain 

 all remained ours 

who cares about that 

 .

 I will walk the way of the world…  

 with the world

 With this hope…   

 I keep hand in your hand. 

 Ah…   the soul of my life  

 the song you wrote with the melody 

is still alive today 

 But the pain remains

I sew the words together  

 Keeping the head on grass…   

 with the light of moon & sun on chest

 we fill both of our house

 with hug happiness…  

🌹 Poem : Companion.

      Poet :  jotsna jari 

FAQs :  Hug Day  2024 

1.  Why is Hug Day celebrated? 

Ans:-  Hug Day is celebrated on February 12 — the sixth day of Valentine’s Week. You can celebrate this day with your loved ones by giving them a warm and comforting hug, which will help them forget about their life’s difficulties, even if it’s momentarily

. Just a firm hug is enough to show how much you care.

2.  Who can celebrate Hug Day?

Ana:-  Those who are away from their loved ones

 on Hug Day, send Hug Day messages and gifts to their partners and loved ones. While Hug Day on February 12 is celebrated as a part of the Valentine’s Day celebrations, there is another day too that celebrates hugs. National Hugging Day is celebrated every year on January 21.

3.  How do you wish someone a happy Hug Day?

Ans:-  Happy Hug Day 2023: Wishes, Messages, Quotes, Images, Facebook & WhatsApp status– 

1.)  “Wishing you a very Happy Hug Day. …

2.)  “Hug is the perfect way to tell someone that you love him or her. …

3.)  “Happy Hug Day to you. …

4.)  “When I hug you, my heart finds happiness and my soul finds peace.5.)  I’m sending you a big, warm hug and all my love.6.)  Happy hug day!

Your warm embrace is the best feeling in the world! 

4.  When was hugging first invented?

Ans:-  They have been determined to be approximately 6000 years old

, so we know for sure that people already hugged each other in Neolithic times. When we hug, we wrap our arms around another person.

5.  Who discovered the hug?

Ans:-  It’s not a casual gesture of affection; it’s a profound one, and it was invented by the Welsh

.

6.  Why do humans hug?

Ans:-  A hug can indicate support, comfort, and consolation, particularly where words are insufficient

. A hug usually demonstrates affection and emotional warmth, sometimes arising from joy or happiness when reunited with someone or seeing someone absent after a long time.

7.  Why do humans crave hugs?

Ans:-  Oxytocin is a chemical in our bodies that scientists sometimes call the “cuddle hormone.” This is because its levels rise when we hug, touch, or sit close to someone else

. Oxytocin is associated with happiness and less stress. Scientists have found that this hormone has a strong effect in women.

8.  When was hugging discovered?

Ans:-  China skeletons 1,500-years-old

 discovered hugging in ‘love’ embrace.

9. Why is a hug so powerful?

Ans:-  Hugs release oxytocin

 Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone,” and it’s released when we cuddle or bond. It’s the reason why being hugged feels so good. So when you’re feeling down, give someone a squeeze and feel your mood lift.

10.  Did you know facts about hugs?

Ans:-  Even a 20-second hug releases enough oxytocin to make you feel better.

Reduce inflammation.

Improve wound healing.

Lessen cravings for drugs, alcohol, and sweets.

Lower heart rate and stress. 

11. Which day is celebrated on the Valentine’s week?

Ans:-  The sixth day of Valentine’s week.