[[File:Lebr03.jpg|Hug in art|thumb|upright|220px|Elisabeth Louise Vigée-Lebrun, Madame Vigée-Lebrun et sa fille, by Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, 1789]]

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 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 a kiss, a hug is not usually undertaken as part of a ritual or social act. However, it is a custom in Spain and, by proxy, in 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 kiss of peace ritual. Several cultures do not embrace as a sign of affection or love, such as the Himba in Namibia.

Hugging has been proven to have health benefits. One study has shown that hugs increase levels of oxytocin, and reduce blood pressure.

Hugging in non-humans

Hugging is not particular to human beings, as there are many species of animals that engage in similar exchanges of warmth.

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Category:Intimate relationships

Marlice Elretha Jansen van Vuuren born 14 May 1976 as Marlice Elrethra van der Merwe, is a popular Namibian conservationist who grew up surrounded by animals on her parents' farm in Namibia where for more than 30 years injured or orphaned animals have found refuge. Marlice also grew up closely with the San Bushmen community and is one of only a handful of white people who can speak their language.

Marlice has been working with animals in film productions since the age of 13 and has worked on a number of well known movies with various celebrities including Angelina Jolie (see Marlice’s portfolio). Marlice starred in a documentary about her life "Marlice - A Vision for Africa: A film by Philip Selkirk" in 2008.

Marlice and her three legged cheetah Lucky, featured in an advert for a Volkswagen Golf, shown on South African TV in May 2009.

Family

Conservation achievements

In 2003, Marlice and Rudie, along with their pharmacist friend, Chris Heunis and Jan Verburg opened the N/a’an ku sê (Naankuse) Lifeline Clinic at Epukiro, Namibia where the San Bushmen community can be treated free of charge. The Lifeline Clinic is entirely funded by voluntary donations and provides primary healthcare to over 3,500 patients a year in this remote area.

In 2004, Marlice and Rudie bought a 10,000 hectare piece of farmland, 42 km outside of Windhoek to establish their own animal reserve. The Bushman word N/a’an ku sê means 'God will protect us'. They opened N/a’an ku sê's Charity Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary in 2007. The Sanctuary accommodates mostly orphaned and injured animals that cannot be released safely back into the wild. N/a’an ku sê lodge is an article 21 organisation which donates any profits back into the conservation projects and work with the San Bushman community.

Marlice and Rudie started N/a’an ku sê's Carnivore Research Project to help conserve big cats in early 2008 and the Clever Cubs School, funded by the Clabile Trust, for the San Bushmen children was opened at N/a’an ku sê in November 2009.

N/a’an ku sê works to improve the lives of the marginalised Bushmen community through education, employment, healthcare and improved living conditions.

Filming portfolio

Commercials featuring Marlice van Vuuren and the animals at Naankuse:

Films featuring the animals at Naankuse:

Wildlife photographers whose work includes the San Bushman and animals at Naankuse:

References

External links

Video clips

Other websites

Articles