Happy Hobbit Day – September 22, 2022 , history significance why we celebrate
Gandalf the Grey said it best: “Hobbits really are amazing creatures.” This September 22, celebrate National Hobbit Day by recognizing J.R.R. Tolkien’s most lovable and heroic characters. Hobbits are shy, yet capable of great courage; reluctant to leave their homes, yet thirsty for adventure; quiet and peaceful, yet eager to host parties. With such wonderful characteristics, Hobbits have endeared generations with their affable complexities. (Here’s some Hobbit trivia: Tolkien envisioned these small people as a separate race, like the Elves and the Dwarfs. Therefore, Hobbit is always capitalized.)
This fall, enjoy one of Tolkien’s classic written works and let your imagination take you on an adventure alongside Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. Just remember: “home is behind, the world ahead” – J.R.R. Tolkien.
History of Hobbit Day
Hobbit Day was first celebrated by the proclamation of the American Tolkien Society in the year 1978. Tolkien Week is the week that contains Hobbit Day. The aim of the American Tolkien Society was to examine and spread the works of JRR Tolkien and his son, Christopher JR Tolkien.
The day is celebrated as it is the birthday of two favorite characters named Bilbo and Frodo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkiens Middle Earth Cycle books The Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings. According to the books, Bilbo was born during the Third Age in the years 2890, and Frodo was born in the year 2968. It is the oldest running day celebrated by the fans.
As there are some differences in the Gregorian and Shire calendars, there is a debate on the date on which Hobbit Day should be celebrated. Tolkien once had said that the Shire calendar is ahead by about ten days depending on the month and the date falls between September 12 and 14. As there was no official declaration made, shortly after the death of J.R.R.
Tolkien in 1973 the celebration falls on this date. Hobbit is typically a character of two and four feet tall who accomplish great feats and incredible acts of courage. As to honor these creatures and those acts, the day is usually celebrated with events, as described at the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring.
HOBBIT DAY TIMELINE
September 21, 1937
The Hobbit emerges from Middle-earth
On September 21, 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” was published. It opened to widespread critical acclaim.
1969
Tolkien sells his film rights
Tolkien sold the movie rights, plus rights to tie-in products, for “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” to United Artists for £100,000.
December 19, 2001
Hobbits go Hollywood
The first installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, “The Fellowship of the Ring,” is released and introduces Hobbits to the big screen.
December 6, 2012
“The Hobbit” film is released
The film version of the original adventure of “The Hobbit” is released, grossing $37 million on opening night.
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HOBBIT DAY ACTIVITIES
Have a feast
Hobbits enjoyed as many as six meals a day, so make sure that your festivities include a good amount of food. Known for their well-stocked pantries, Hobbits never miss a chance to sit down among friends and share a good meal and lively conversation.
Give a few gifts
Represent one of the peaceful pursuits of Hobbits by giving gifts and sharing in the spirit of community. Simple, creative gifts, such as toys, jewelry and small musical instruments are perfect tokens for the festivities.
Go on an adventure
In the spirit of Hobbits, throw caution to the wind and step out from your cozy household. Whether it be a short walk in a new neighborhood or a trip to Cambodia, experience the thrill of the unknown — just like a Baggins. Explore the world!
5 FILM-MAKING MAGIC FACTS ABOUT “THE HOBBIT”
It used an entire country’s paint supply
“The Hobbit” crew used up all of the gold paint in New Zealand when creating Smaug’s lair. Later, they had to order more paint and get it flown in from Germany.
It has the longest film battle in history
“The Battle of The Five Armies” holds the world record for the longest fight sequence in a film, at 45 minutes in the theatrical version.
It was a “hairy” business
All of the dwarfs’ beards and hair were made of real yak hair. Some of the wig and beard combinations cost the makeup department upwards of $10,000.
A seven-year-old girl’s roar is pretty terrifying
The first roar the audience hears from Smaug is actually a sound-bite of the SFX Director’s seven-year-old daughter making a roaring noise. It was manipulated and corrected to sound like a dragon in the movie.
The film broke more than box office records
During a midnight screening in Sao Paulo, Brazil, one of the cinema’s speakers broke after Smaug’s first roar.
WHY WE LOVE HOBBIT DAY
Hobbits are adventurers
In the land of Middle-earth, filled with dragons, trolls, elves, magic and danger, there’s never an end to the fun and trouble. Enjoy an adventure that will make your imagination explode!
Hobbits are loyal
No matter the challenges that befall its characters, “The Hobbit” always stays true to its main theme – friendship. Through every turn, every test and every trial, Hobbits remain steadfast in their love and loyalty to one another.
Hobbits believe that good always prevails
“The Hobbit” is a classic story about good versus evil. While those who fight for good certainly experience struggles and loss, their faith that good will triumph never waivers and, in the end, the Hobbits are victorious!
