Why Were Teddy Bears Invented? We Won’t Toy With You—Find Out if the Viral Rumors Are True
All about the history of the infamous teddy bear, just in time for Valentine's Day.
If you're a regular on TikTok, you may have recently seen different creators posting about the teddy bear's history. So, why were teddy bears invented? Inquiring minds want to know, as the topic has gone viral online—just in time for Valentine's Day!
Are you thinking about getting that special someone a cute stuffed teddy bear this Feb. 14? The sweet gift will be sure to brighten their day, and you have the United State's 26th President, Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt to thank for that.
According to TikTok, at least. Let's dive into the history of why teddy bears were invented and if the viral videos are true.
Related: 40 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas To Show Your Love for Your Sweetheart
Why Were Teddy Bears Invented?
Back in late 1902, Teddy Roosevelt was on a bear hunting trip with other fellow hunters, including Mississippi's Governor Andrew H. Longino. However, our highly-praised hunter Teddy was the lone ranger that could not seem to locate a single bear.
Apparently, Teddy Roosevelt's assistants felt bad for his lack of bear kills, so they tied a bear to a tree for him to shoot. A little ego boost, if you will. Teddy denied them and the ego boost—viewing the gesture as unsportsmanlike. After all, he didn't find it himself, so he refused to shoot the bear.
News may not have traveled as fast back in 1902. But thanks to newspaper articles and political cartoons, everyone around the country learned about the story quickly—including a Brooklyn candy shop owner named Morris Michtom, who saw the tale as a business opportunity: stuffed toy teddy bears.
Related: The Roosevelts: An Intimate History Addresses Emotional Components of First Family
Is the TikTok Story Actually True?
It's true—former U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt is why teddy bears were invented. This isn't one of those cases where a false story spreads like wildfire on TikTok. This story is spot-on and has been confirmed by multiple sources.
Antonio Parlati is one of the creators that went viral for posting about where teddy bears originally coined their name, and he articulates the story well.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Another creator, @notgabbyb, shared her husband's thoughts on the evolution of stuffed teddy bears with a briefer version of the history lesson.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Thanks for the history lesson, TikTok!
Related: Wondering What To Write in a Valentine's Card? These 65 Sweet Nothings Will Do the Trick!
When Was the First Teddy Bear Invented?
Morris Michtom and his wife, Rose, were already making stuffed animals when this idea sparked. Once they received President Roosevelt's permission to mass-produce stuffed teddy bears, the entrepreneurial couple got to work.
They dedicated the toy bear to Teddy Roosevelt and called it, "Teddy's Bear." The first teddy bears went on sale on February 15, 1903—just one day after Valentine's Day. The stuffed bears became so popular that Michtom soon thereafter founded the Ideal Toy Company.
Related: 20+ Free Printable Valentine’s Cards for Your Sweethearts This Valentine’s Day
What Were Teddy Bears Originally Made Of?
Early bears were made of mohair containing goat's wool, sheep's wool, rayon and silk. Though today's plush teddy bears look much different from the original "Teddy's Bear" days, they're made of similar fibers; including wool, silk, rayon, nylon and other combinations.
Creator @mndiaye_97 posted this TikTok showing some photos of teddy bears—then versus now.
View the original article to see embedded media.
What Does a Teddy Bear Symbolize?
The aesthetics of teddy bears may have changed over time, but they've always seemed to represent similar themes and feelings.
To young children with stuffed companions, teddy bears symbolize cuddly unconditional love, security and warmth. If you receive a gifted teddy bear in adulthood, it may be a sweet surprise from your lover. On the other end, it could be congratulatory or sympathetic in meaning.
Despite the motivation, teddy bears symbolize love and comfort.
Related: Valentine's Day: What Are the Most Frequently Searched Gifts Around the U.S.?
What Is the Purpose of a Teddy Bear?
Do you still sleep with your stuffed animals from when you were young? A survey found that 40 percent of adults admitted to still cuddling their lovable teddy bears from childhood until they were in a deep sleep.
No matter what age we are, teddy bears provide us with comfort and a sense of security. They're timeless and become special keepsakes to those receiving them, long after.
The whole purpose of a teddy bear is to provide companionship and love—whether it's for a youthful child, grieving adult or in-love partner.
Related: 'Much Loved' Teddy Bears: Bittersweet Photos of Stuffed Animals