TikTok may be more popular for its trending dance challenges, but it’s a great platform to learn new things in the simplest possible manner. Hashtags like #DidYouKnow are absolute fun when it comes to learning. With this hashtag, TikTok users have now learned a new #DidYouKnow story, and they seem to be obsessed with it: the origin of the Teddy bear. Read to find out how Teddy Bears were invented and why it is trending on TikTok.
Teddy Roosevelt’s hunting trip
The story of the Teddy Bear starts in 1902 when American President Theodore Roosevelt went on a hunting trip in Mississippi. Teddy was President Roosevelt’s nickname, short for Theodore.
Today in history, 1902: Clifford Berryman’s “Teddy Bear” character first appeared in a cartoon. Teddy Roosevelt is shown refusing to shoot a bear cub during a hunting expedition in Mississippi. The story and Berryman’s cartoon soon inspired a popular toy known as Teddy's Bear. pic.twitter.com/b2AiwBNaER
— Bambooshooti™ 🇺🇸🥁🌊😷💉🌻 (@bambooshooti) November 17, 2021
- Despite the efforts of his hunting party, they were unable to find any animals to kill. One of his assistants caught a small bear, tied it to a tree and the President was asked to take a shot.
- However, Roosevelt refused to do so, as he considered it unsportsmanlike. The American press widely reported this incident. A funny political cartoon by Clifford Berryman depicted the President refusing to shoot the bear.
Who invented the Teddy Bear?
This cartoon inspired a Brooklyn candy store owner named Morris Michtom to create a small toy bear and put it in his shop window with a sign that read “Teddy’s Bear.” The bear was an instant hit and Michtom soon began mass-producing them.
The Teddy Bear quickly became a beloved toy and a variety of manufacturers started making it. They came in all shapes and sizes, made from a variety of materials like plush, cloth, and straw.
TikTok’s new obsession
This origin story of Teddy bears has been going viral on TikTok. People seem to enjoy how most cartoons, toys, or other cultural facts related to kids always originate from a potentially serious or dark story. But is it true?
@antonioparlati Did you know? 🧸 #english #fyp #didyouknow #learnontiktok
The answer is yes. Fact-checkers have confirmed that TikTok’s reason why Teddy bears were invented is absolutely correct. In fact, some TikTok users shared these videos claiming that they learned this story in school but eventually forgot it.
Teddy Bears’ popularity
In the 1920s, the Teddy Bear became a fashionable accessory and was even seen on the arms of famous actresses such as Mary Pickford and Joan Crawford.
- During the Great Depression, the popularity of Teddy Bears declined, as people struggled to make ends meet. However, they made a comeback during World War II, when they were once again sent to soldiers as a symbol of hope and comfort.
- In modern years, Teddy Bears became even more popular, and today people of all ages around the world love these cute and cuddly toys. They have become cultural icons and have even been featured in movies and television shows.
The Teddy Bear truly is a timeless classic, with a story as heartwarming as the hugs they give. It makes sense why this wholesome story has gone viral on TikTok.
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You can also share any questions you have about the Teddy Bear origin story on TikTok. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.
