Changes

==Origin==

==Origin==

perhaps of Scandinavian [[origin]]; akin to Old Norse ''hugga'' to soothe

perhaps of Scandinavian [[origin]]; akin to Old Norse ''hugga'' to soothe

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1567]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1567]

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1: to press tightly especially in the arms

*1: to press tightly especially in the arms

*3: to stay close to - the road hugs the [[river]]

*3: to stay close to - the road hugs the [[river]]

==Description==

==Description==

A '''hug''' is a [[form]] of [[physical]] [[intimacy]], that usually involves closing or holding the arms around the neck, back, or waist of another [[person]]; if more than two persons are involved, this is referred to as a ''group hug''. A hug, sometimes in [[association]] with a [[kiss]], eye contact or other [[gestures]], is a form of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_communication nonverbal communication]. Depending on [[culture]], [[context]] and [[relationship]], a hug can indicate familiarity, [[love]], [[affection]] or [[friendship]]. One person may hug another as an indication of [[support]], [[comfort]], and [[consolation]]. A hug can be a [[demonstration]] of affection and [[emotional]] warmth, sometimes arising out of [[joy]] or [[happiness]] at meeting someone. Sometimes hugs are a [[romantic]] exchange.

A '''hug''' is a [[form]] of [[physical]] [[intimacy]], that usually involves closing or holding the arms around the neck, back, or waist of another [[person]]; if more than two persons are involved, this is referred to as a ''group hug''. A hug, sometimes in [[association]] with a [[kiss]], eye contact or other [[gestures]], is a form of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_communication nonverbal communication]. Depending on [[culture]], [[context]] and [[relationship]], a hug can indicate familiarity, [[love]], [[affection]] or [[friendship]]. One person may hug another as an indication of [[support]], [[comfort]], and [[consolation]]. A hug can be a [[demonstration]] of affection and [[emotional]] warmth, sometimes arising out of [[joy]] or [[happiness]] at meeting someone. Sometimes hugs are a [[romantic]] exchange.

Unlike some other forms of [[physical]] [[intimacy]], when both parties mutually [[engage]] in the act, a hug can be practiced [[publicly]] and [[privately]] without [[stigma]] in many countries, [[religions]] and [[cultures]], within [[families]], and also across age and [[gender]] lines, but is generally an indication that people are familiar with each other. An unexpected hug can be regarded as an [[invasion]] of a person's [[personal]] [[space]], but if it is [[reciprocated]] it is an indication that it is [[welcome]]. Also, a person, especially a [[child]], may caress and hug a doll or stuffed animal. Young [[children]] will also hug their [[parents]] when they feel threatened by an unfamiliar person.

Unlike some other forms of [[physical]] [[intimacy]], when both parties mutually [[engage]] in the act, a hug can be practiced [[publicly]] and [[privately]] without [[stigma]] in many countries, [[religions]] and [[cultures]], within [[families]], and also across age and [[gender]] lines, but is generally an indication that people are familiar with each other. An unexpected hug can be regarded as an [[invasion]] of a person's [[personal]] [[space]], but if it is [[reciprocated]] it is an indication that it is [[welcome]]. Also, a person, especially a [[child]], may caress and hug a doll or stuffed animal. Young [[children]] will also hug their [[parents]] when they feel threatened by an unfamiliar person.

Unlike a [[kiss]], a hug is not usually undertaken as part of a [[ritual]] or social act. However, it is a [[custom]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain Spain] and, by proxy, in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America Latin American] countries for male friends to hug (as well as slap each other on the back) in a [[joyous]] greeting, such as on a New Year. A similar hug, usually accompanied with a [[kiss]] on the cheek, is also becoming a [[custom]] among Western women to convey a [[joyous]] greeting and sorrowful parting. Also, in recent years it has become a [[practice]] amongst some teenage girls to greet and [[farewell]] each other with a hug. In May 2009, the New York Times reported that "the hug has become the [[favorite]] [[social]] greeting when teenagers meet or part these days" in the United States. A number of [[schools]] in the United States have issued bans on hugs, which in some cases have resulted in [[student]]-led [[protests]] against these bans. In the Roman Catholic rite of the Holy Mass a hug may be substituted for a [[kiss]] or handshake during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_of_peace kiss of peace] [[ritual]]. Several cultures do not [[embrace]] as a sign of [[affection]] or [[love]], such as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himba Himba] in Namibia.

Unlike a [[kiss]], a hug is not usually undertaken as part of a [[ritual]] or social act. However, it is a [[custom]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain Spain] and, by proxy, in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America Latin American] countries for male friends to hug (as well as slap each other on the back) in a [[joyous]] greeting, such as on a New Year. A similar hug, usually accompanied with a [[kiss]] on the cheek, is also becoming a [[custom]] among Western women to convey a [[joyous]] greeting and sorrowful parting. Also, in recent years it has become a [[practice]] amongst some teenage girls to greet and [[farewell]] each other with a hug. In May 2009, the New York Times reported that "the hug has become the [[favorite]] [[social]] greeting when teenagers meet or part these days" in the United States. A number of [[schools]] in the United States have issued bans on hugs, which in some cases have resulted in [[student]]-led [[protests]] against these bans. In the Roman Catholic rite of the Holy Mass a hug may be substituted for a [[kiss]] or handshake during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_of_peace kiss of peace] [[ritual]]. Several cultures do not [[embrace]] as a sign of [[affection]] or [[love]], such as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himba Himba] in Namibia.

Hugging has been proven to have [[health]] benefits. One [[study]] has shown that hugs increase levels of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himba oxytocin], and reduce [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure blood pressure].

Hugging has been proven to have [[health]] benefits. One [[study]] has shown that hugs increase levels of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himba oxytocin], and reduce [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure blood pressure].

[[Category: Sociology]]

[[Category: Sociology]]

[[Category: Anthropology]]

[[Category: Anthropology]]