International Hugging Day is an annual event, established by Kevin Zaborney in 1986.
As a HUG ambassador, Zaborney found out that people are stressed and depressed in the period following the winter holidays, and that "American society is embarrassed to show feelings in public." That is why came up with the idea for an occasion that would both fill people with joy and encourage them to express their feelings more freely.
Generally, hugging is a good way to relieve stress, improve one’s mood, calm them down or simply show affection and sympathy. However, in various cultures there is a different attitude towards hugging.
In Portugal, Brazil and some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common, especially for males, to finish letters and emails with Um abraço or Abraço or Un abrazo ("a hug", or "hug") followed by the sender's signature. In others, however, an unexpected hug can be regarded as an invasion of one's personal space.
There is also a very cautious attitude to hugs in Islamic cultures, where embracing people of the opposite gender is traditionally avoided in public.
Politicians, however, are no strangers to this gesture of friendship. For instance, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev was famous for hugging his counterparts and accompanying the gesture with three firm kisses on the cheeks.
Have a look at politicians' and celebrities' way of hugging in Sputnik's gallery!