Teddy Day 2025: Why do we celebrate this day? Check out date, history and significance

Valentine’s week is a time when people express their love in unique and heartfelt ways. February 10 marks Teddy Day, a celebration that adds warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia to the week. Unlike traditional gifts, a teddy bear is more than just a soft toy, it is a symbol of love, reassurance, and companionship. It serves as a constant reminder of affection, offering comfort in both joyful and lonely moments.

On Teddy day, people gift teddy bears to their loved ones as a gesture of love, care, and emotional security. Whether it’s a classic plush teddy or a modern battery-operated one with recorded messages, the sentiment behind it is to express emotions in the sweetest and most comforting way possible.

History of Teddy Day:

The history of Teddy Day is rooted in compassion and kindness. The term Teddy bear originates from an event in 1902, involving Theodore Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. During a hunting trip in Mississippi, Roosevelt’s guides tied up a small, helpless bear cub for him to shoot. However, Roosevelt refused, insisting that it would be unsportsmanlike and cruel.

This moment was captured in a political cartoon, which soon went viral in newspapers. Inspired by Roosevelt’s act of kindness, Morris Michtom, a toy shop owner in the U.S., created a stuffed bear and named it: Teddy’s Bear. Around the same time, Richard Steiff, a German toymaker working under his aunt Margarete Steiff’s company, designed a plush bear that became equally popular. These bears were soon cherished as symbols of love, security, and childhood innocence.

Significance of Teddy Day:

More than a toy, a  teddy bear is a companion. Many people confide in their teddies, hug them during tough times, and keep them as lifelong keepsakes. This emotional attachment is why teddy bears have played important roles in films, television, and popular culture. In Bollywood movies, teddy bears often symbolise the actresses’ secret confidant, someone they shares their deepest emotions with.

The famous British sitcom, Mr. Bean, features a brown teddy bear that serves as Mr. Bean’s best friend and silent companion, reflecting his childlike innocence. Also, in Winnie the Pooh, the animated series, Pooh bear is a kind-hearted friend, always offering warmth, wisdom, and support. These portrayals highlight why teddy bears are not just playthings but emotional anchors that provide comfort, nostalgia, and unconditional companionship.

Celebrating Teddy Day:

On Teddy Day, people express their love and affection by gifting teddy bears to their partners, friends, and family members, each carrying a unique meaning. A red teddy symbolises romantic love, while a pink teddy represents admiration and appreciation. A white teddy signifies pure love and innocence, whereas a brown teddy conveys stability, warmth, and support. Some prefer classic plush teddies, while others opt for customised versions with recorded messages, LED lights, or interactive features, adding a personal touch.