Every year on September 9th, Teddy Bear Day honors one of the most cherished toys in history. This special day celebrates the stuffed animal that has brought comfort, companionship, and joy to children and adults alike for over a century.

History of Teddy Bear Day

The origins of the teddy bear date back to 1902 when President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear during a hunting trip in Mississippi.

The incident was depicted in a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman, which inspired Brooklyn candy shop owner Morris Michtom to create a stuffed bear named “Teddy’s Bear.” Michtom sent the bear to Roosevelt and received permission to use his name, leading to the birth of the iconic toy.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the Steiff company independently developed a similar stuffed bear, which became popular at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903. The exact origins of Teddy Bear Day are unclear, but it has become an annual celebration to honor the beloved stuffed animal.

Source: Text & Image: https://www.journee-mondiale.com/en/day/teddy-bear-day/