Teddy Day is celebrated every year on February 10, right in the middle of Valentine’s Week. It’s the fourth day of the week-long celebration of love, falling just a few days before Valentine’s Day itself.
While other days focus on romance, promises, or grand gestures, Teddy Day is all about comfort, warmth, and quiet affection.
The Fascinating History of Teddy Bears
During a hunting trip in Mississippi, U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear that had been captured and tied up for him. A political cartoon depicting the incident was published shortly after and gained widespread attention.
Drawing the Line in Mississippi by Clifford Berryman (1902). Public domain in the United States. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Inspired by the cartoon, a toymaker created a stuffed bear and named it “Teddy’s Bear” in Roosevelt’s honor. Around the same time, similar stuffed bears were independently produced in Germany. The idea quickly spread, and the teddy bear became a global phenomenon.
Why Teddy Bears Feel So Special
Psychologists often point out that soft toys provide a sense of comfort because of their soft texture and familiar shape, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. That’s one reason teddy bears have remained popular for over a century across ages, cultures, and generations.
How People Celebrate Teddy Day Today
Modern Teddy Day celebrations are simple and heartfelt:
Gifting classic or personalized teddy bears
Pairing teddies with chocolates or handwritten notes