Teddy Bear Facts: Things To Know About This Amazing Soft Toy
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Almost everyone had a stuffed bear in their childhood.
Teddy bears are cuddly friends that have kept people company over many years. While most of us have had stuffed animals as our friends as children, many do not know the origin of this toy animal.
Some people love their teddy bears so much that they keep them as adults. Understandably, people have fond memories of this toy. Do you know where the concept of teddy bears originated? It is quite interesting to note that this toy bear was inspired by a U.S. president.
Keep reading to know more about teddy bears, including their history, how they rate commercially, and the teddy bear in popular culture.
The History Of The Teddy Bear
The extended snouts, beady eyes, and cuddly bodies of teddy bears have been popular since the early 20th century. Let's find out more about their origin by reading more.
Teddy bears were inspired by then-President Theodore Roosevelt, who refused to shoot a bear during his 1902 hunting trip in Mississippi, when one was captured for him to kill, because he thought it wasn't sportsmanlike. However, before you become too touched by his kindness, he still ordered the bear to be killed!
The tale made world news and people were inspired, because previously the president had been known as a big game hunter.
Clifford Berryman produced a cartoon for The Washington Post lightly satirizing the incident on November 16, 1902. Brooklyn candy shop owner and you maker Morris Michtom saw the cartoon and he and his wife Rose decided to create a stuffed toy bear and dedicate it to the president, which he called 'Teddy's Bear', after his nickname.
After receiving Roosevelt's permission to use his name, Michtom mass-produced the bears, which was such an immediate success that he soon founded the Ideal Toy Company.
However, coincidentally, also in 1902, Steiff started producing toy bears in Germany, before the incident, which Richard Steiff exhibited at a toy fair in 1903.
Bears became more prevalent in popular culture as a result.
The Commercial Aspects Of Teddy Bears
The teddy bear was an instant success all over the world, with people embracing the idea of a cuddly bear. The political connotation attached with the origination of the toy was no longer relevant to children, as program makers started making cartoons featuring cuddly bears.
Millions of teddy bears are sold every year in the United States of America. On top of this, these toys are also famous all over the world. Many people have collections of teddy bears, and the rarest ones sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We doubt President Roosevelt realized the impact he would have when he refused to shoot the bear during his 1902 hunting trip in Mississippi!
Movies Related To The Teddy Bear
Fictional and real bears have been making their appearance in movies for many years. One of the most famous bear characters is Baloo, in 'The Jungle Book', who saves a child against all odds.
'Kung Fu Panda' also features a fictional character who overcomes many obstacles. At the same time, even though 'Ted' is not that much of a well-rated movie, this bear-featuring movie is notorious for not adhering to the cute, cuddly stereotypical image of the teddy bear.
Winnie the Pooh is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most well-known fictional bears and was inspired by a black bear cub that was bought by a Canadian soldier. This bear left a lasting effect on the author of 'Winnie The Pooh', A.A. Milne, who met the real bear at London Zoo.
This bear was named Winnipeg and is said to have been incredibly tame and friendly.
Other movies that feature fictional bears include 'Brave,' 'Paddington,' and 'Brother Bear'. Real bears in novels, films, and TV programs include the beloved 'Gentle Ben', and the Grizzly Adams series, about John Boyden 'Grizzly' Adams, a frontiersman who lived from 1812 – 1860 who was known to tame wild grizzlies.
FAQs
What is so special about teddy bears?
Teddy bears are inspired by real bears. In addition to the many stories that have created a great demand for these toys, teddy bears are also made special by their origination. They are cuddly and furry, and make great bedtime buddies!
Who invented the teddy bear?
Bears are thought to have been developed coincidentally by two people in 1902. Richard Steiff, in Germany, designed a toy bear first, but American Morris Michtom produced the first-ever 'Teddy's Bear'.
How did the teddy bear get its name?
Teddy bears get their name after President Theodore Roosevelt. This former president refused to shoot a bear while on a hunting trip, and it was his nickname that inspired these cuddly bears.
How many teddy bears are there in the world?
Millions of teddy bears are bought and sold every year. There are no conclusive records that can tell us exactly how many teddy bears there are in the world, but we can only imagine that their numbers are tremendous.
Where was the first teddy bear made?
Morris Michtom made the first official teddy bear in Brooklyn, New York.
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Sources
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/top10facts/617287/Top-10-facts-teddy-bears/amp
https://www.tamboteddies.com.au/blog/2020/06/05/the-coolest-teddy-bear-facts/
https://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-teddy-bears/
https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/teddy-bear-day-an-official-day-for-your-best-stuffed-pal
https://www.rd.com/list/teddy-bear-facts/
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature
Shirin BiswasBachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature
With a degree in English from Amity University, Noida, Shirin has won awards for oratory, acting, and creative writing. She has a wealth of experience as an English teacher, editor, and writer, having previously worked at Quizzy and Big Books Publishing. Her expertise lies in editing study guides for children and creating engaging content.
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With a background in digital marketing, Niyati brings her expertise to ensure accuracy and authenticity in every piece of content. She has previously written articles for MuseumFacts, a history web magazine, while also handling its digital marketing. In addition to her marketing skills, Niyati is fluent in six languages and has a Commerce degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University. She has also been recognized for her public speaking abilities, holding the position of Vice President of Education at the Toastmasters Club of Pune, where she won several awards and represented the club in writing and speech contests at the area level.
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