Where did Teddy Bears Come From?
Bears have been associated with man since earliest times when the bear was worshipped for his strength and spirit. Bear folklore was widespread especially in the northern hemisphere. Drawings of bear worship have been found in caves in southern Europe. Some Native American tribes saw the bear as a medicine being. Finland had Otso the Bear. And in far-away China the giant panda bear was, and is, a national treasure.
One of the best known stories comes to us from Greek mythology. As the story goes, Zeus, king of the gods, seduced the nymph Callisto who later gave birth to a son, Arcas. Zeus’ wife Juno was so angry that she turned Callisto into a bear. Years later, Arcas, now grown, was out hunting and almost killed the bear who was his mother. To save them both, Zeus placed them among the stars in the heavens, Callisto as Ursa Major (big bear) and Arcas as Ursa Minor (little bear). The two constellations can be seen in the northern hemisphere and are perhaps known best because they contain the Big and Little Dippers.
So it was only natural that at some point toy-making would include bears.
But when Morris Mitchtom and Margarete Steiff and her nephew Richard Steiff made their first stuffed teddy bears back in 1902/03, little could they have known the effect their bears would have on people or the industry they were starting.
For teddy bears are more than just toys. They are friends and confidants, someone to tell secrets to, someone who keeps the monsters away at night and someone to share picnics and teas with. Teddy bears comfort young and old, and grace many a home with their presence.
Welcome to my website, Let’s Talk Teddy Bears. For teddy bears do talk – in their own inimitable way – just as we talk to them. They give unconditional love and acceptance and ask only for loving care in return. Let’s have a conversation about teddy bears.
Join me as we explore the wonderful world of teddy bears together: their history, manufacturers such as Steiff, Mitchtom’s Ideal Toy Company, Merrythought and Boyds Bears, famous teddy bears such as Paddington and Winnie the Pooh, collecting teddy bears, and repairing well-worn bears.
I invite you to leave comments, questions, or future topics you want to share. I’ll definitely read them and perhaps you’ll see your topic in a future visit. This site is a work in process, with more pages and information being added on a regular basis. Don’t forget to visit About Casa de Bear to see how this journey all started. So stay awhile, enjoy, and then come back soon! I look forward to continuing our conversation.
