How brands embraced #NationalHugDay on Twitter
As 21 January marks the very real and very official annual event known as #NationalHugDay, top brands took to Twitter to try and make their name synonymous with one of the most loving gestures human beings can muster.
Behind the mysterious origin of this day of celebration, a website called www.nationalhuggingday.com lifts the veil.
Claiming to be the “Official Site for NATIONAL HUGGING DAYTM” , the national hugging day appears to have “grown enormously in worldwide popularity,” since 1986.
It has reportedly spread to America, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Bulgaria, Guam, Australia, Georgia, England and Russia.
This makes it more of an international hug day, but really, who even keeps track anymore?
Brands got involved regardless, keen on spreading the love.
Doctor Who
Hey... Which Doctor gave the best hugs? #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/MgOEM3ug39
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) January 21, 2016
And here's another of our fave hugging moments! Who remembers this scene? #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/7VlTTJ8RbU
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) January 21, 2016
It's #NationalHugDay and we've asked for your fave #DoctorWho hugs... Here's one of ours! pic.twitter.com/rxzX22VfIN
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) January 21, 2016
Jacamo
When someone tries to hug you on #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/HHTDiXYH8U
— Jacamo (@Jacamo) January 21, 2016
Uefa
Feel the #UEL group stage love... #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/mQcWKkA7YP
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 21, 2016
Assassin’s Creed
Assassins! It is #NationalHugDay (This also doubles as a #TBT) pic.twitter.com/WouIlyQmZP
— Assassin's Creed (@assassinscreed) January 21, 2016
Capcom UK
#NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/pLdeoxQkxl
— Capcom UK (@Capcom_UK) January 21, 2016
Star Wars
We know it’s #NationalHugDay but, in the words of Han Solo, escape now... hug later pic.twitter.com/8tnSou1F1D
— Star Wars UK (@StarWarsUK) January 21, 2016
Kooky Boots UK
Sometimes you've just got to hug it out... #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/jY0wdnBLWb
— Kinky Boots UK (@KinkyBootsUK) January 21, 2016
Innocent Drinks
#NationalHugDay might be a sham, but any excuse to look at photos of otters hugging is fine by us. pic.twitter.com/Fs4exOuKKh
— innocent drinks (@innocent) January 21, 2016
Comedy Central UK
When you're sitting next to the person you fancy and find out it's #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/ZnWXN7Fj9t
— Comedy Central UK (@ComedyCentralUK) January 21, 2016
Nintendo UK
Need a Hug!? #NationalHugDay #PunchOut pic.twitter.com/EBVWbtLvkB
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) January 21, 2016
UFC
This is what happens when you hug in the UFC #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/RJwzsS0eDO
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 21, 2016
Marvel UK
Hug your Super Hero #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/kCH3nojgxK
— Marvel UK & Ireland (@MarvelUK) January 21, 2016
Aldi UK
It’s #NationalHugDay - RT and mention the person that you would love to share a hug with today! :) pic.twitter.com/GTUTQtCk4z
— Aldi Stores UK (@AldiUK) January 21, 2016
Just Eat
Today is about to get 67% more awkward with your coworkers #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/paDl5rv72I
— JUST EAT.ie (@JustEatIE) January 21, 2016
4 Music
Hey guys it's #nationalhugday! So we're asking, ever received a totes awks hug? pic.twitter.com/QWbEWy8dzw
— 4Music (@4Music) January 21, 2016
BooHoo
Every time a dog walks past today #NationalHugDay https://t.co/1sTMEoREIU
— boohoo.com (@boohoo) January 21, 2016
JustEat
Today is about to get 67% more awkward with your coworkers #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/paDl5rv72I
— JUST EAT.ie (@JustEatIE) January 21, 2016
Urban Outfitters
Happy #NationalHugDay pic.twitter.com/3MyYBlcyfM
— Urban Outfitters EU (@uoeurope) January 21, 2016
Comedy Central
When you leave the house then remember it's #NationalHugDay #Friends pic.twitter.com/OpX9vl9pFV
— Comedy Central UK (@ComedyCentralUK) January 21, 2016
Save the Children UK
Happy #NationalHugDay! These children are in one of our safe spaces in #Syria, performing a play about their lives. pic.twitter.com/ryri2neGJI
— Save the Children UK (@savechildrenuk) January 21, 2016
BBC Three
Happy #NationalHugDay everyone! https://t.co/dDhV6SQyeV
— BBC Three (@bbcthree) January 21, 2016
And Virgin Trains switched out hugs for pugs
We've finally found one #HugAPug #NationalHugDay https://t.co/hdlcaqoEaR
— Virgin Trains (@VirginTrains) January 21, 2016