Teddy Bear Day
Sep 9
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn out the lights,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, say “good night”.
~ Traditional Jump Rope Rhyme
Since the early 20th century, Teddy Bears have been the most beloved of childhood companions and figure in both children's stories and songs and even adult literature. Today, there are teddy bears representing different species of bear, such as polar bears and grizzly bears, as well as pandas! They were even the subject of a famous April Fool's Day prank! On April 1st, 1972, issue 90 of The Veterinary Record published a paper on the common afflictions and diseases of teddy bears "Brunus edwardii" described as a species "commonly kept in homes in the United Kingdom and other countries in Europe and North America." The article warned: "Pet ownership surveys have shown that 63.8 percent of households are inhabited by one or more of these animals ... and it is imperative that more be known about their diseases, particularly zoonoses or other conditions which might be associated with their close contact with man including: Alopecia (hair loss); discoloration (very loved); Torticollis (wry neck); Loss of limb; and Lopsided squint." 🐻
Jack's Teddy Bears
Initially a US specific holiday, this day is increasingly celebrated by bear lovers across the world. Teddy bears are named after US President Theodore"Teddy" Roosevelt. The name came about during a 1902 hunting expedition in Mississippi after Roosevelt declined to shoot a black bear.
The incident was illustrated in a newspaper cartoon entitled "Drawing the Line" - which also referred to the political situation at the time. An enterprising New York toymaker used this story as an opportunity and brought out a cute stuffed bear named"Teddy's Bear." Simultaneously and independently, the Steiff firm in Germany also produced a stuffed bear.
Early teddy bears were made to look like real bears, with extended snouts and beady eyes. Today, there are teddy bears representing different species of bear, such as polar bears and grizzly bears, as well as pandas.
On April Fools' Day 1972, issue 90 of The Veterinary Record published a paper on the diseases of Brunus edwardii detailing common afflictions of teddy bears.
Today you can choose from bears of all kinds including dressed bears! There are bears in all possible styles of Scottish dress and choices of tartan - piper bears, highlander bears, historic bears ... .
There are even Outlander Bears representing the main characters in the romantic novel clad in authentic Outlander tartan!
For information about Teddy Bear Museums throughout the world, click the Claire and Jamie Outlander Bears!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
