Hug

A hug is a form of body contact in which normally includes the arms, the neck, the back or waist of another person; if more than two people are involved, people speak of a group hug. In an embrace non-verbal communication takes place, which is often supplemented by kissing, eye contact or other gestures. Depending on the situation, culture and social relationship can be an expression of intimacy, love, affection or friendship a hug. Often, people hug as a sign of recognition, support, encouragement or consolation.

Although a hug as an intrusion into the personal realm is considered, it can be usually carried out in public without stigma. If you unexpectedly, it is often construed as a violation of personal distance.

Dissemination

Between elderly people is a hug usually does not take place as a ritual. Among younger people, especially among women and girls, the embrace, however, has become a popular greeting gesture both in Europe and in the United States. Some schools in the United States, therefore, introduced restrictions and bans on hugs, which caused strong protests from the student body.

Children often embrace toys such as dolls or stuffed animals, but usually their parents when they are looking at them protection because they are afraid or feel threatened.

In Spain and Latin America hugs are common as a greeting at special festivals and occasions such as New Year's Day. In the Roman Catholic Church can be a hug carried out as part of the kiss of peace, failing that, instead of a kiss.

In some cultures, a hug is not understood as a symbol of affection or love, for example in the Himba people in Namibia.

Hugs among animals

Hugging is not a behavior that occurs exclusively in humans. Patricia McConnell has found, however, that dogs like to be hugged less than humans and other primates, as the spreading of a body part over another animal is an expression of dominance for them.

Health Consequences

It has been scientifically proven that hugs have positive effects on health. Studies have shown that they promote the formation of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin, reduce blood pressure, and have a preventive effect against depression.

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