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.
Greek Mythology
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.
Modern Beginnings
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.
So enjoy your teddy bears, and if you don’t have any, consider starting a hug. Start small and add as you find bears you like. They may or may not have large values, but that’s OK. But most of all, simply enjoy them for the wonderful creatures they are!