Hobbit Day (22/09)

In 1978, Hobbit Day was celebrated for the first time. This unofficial holiday is celebrated annually around the world on September 22. The initiative to annually hold Hobbit Day was born in the USA in the American Society of Tolkienists (fans of the work of the writer D.R.R. Tolkien).

Created by the writer’s bright, deep and multifaceted talent, the fairy-tale world, or even the Universe, won the hearts of many millions of people who once took Tolkien’s books into their hands. This phenomenon continues today, almost 100 years after the author began working on his «Legendarium». It is not surprising that in different parts of the world, fans of Tolkien’s works began to unite into clubs and communities. It was among such people that Hobbit Day became widespread.

This holiday is celebrated on the birthday of the famous hero-characters – hobbits Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, born in different years, but on the same day. The author himself indicated this date in his books. However, the choice of the date of the holiday became a reason for some controversy among fans of the saga. The fact is that the author gave dates according to a fictitious calendar. This gave rise to a debate about what day to celebrate the holiday: according to a fictitious calendar (September 22) or translated into a real calendar, which we all use. According to Tolkienists, when transferred to a modern calendar, the date should fall on September 12-14. However, the dispute did not interfere with the celebration of Hobbit Day on September 22. It has been celebrated for more than 40 years.

Picnics in nature, often costumed, become traditional for everyone who is going to celebrate Hobbit Day, during which participants try to organize a holiday similar to the one that the Baggins organized for their Birthday in Tolkien’s book. It cannot do without fireworks, dancing and games. Participants are left with wonderful photographs as souvenirs, where many try to appear in the image of their favorite characters. Shoes are not honored here, because real hobbits did not wear them, but walked barefoot.

For many people, this holiday, like the book itself, allows you to break out of the whirlwind of everyday worries and bustle, feel young again, and experience the feelings that you were lucky enough to experience for the first time, reading the never-aging books of the wonderful English writer.



Postcard «22 September — Hobbit Day»

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