Today is a special day. Yes, it is the first calendar day of autumn (best season of the year, if you ask me), but did you know that today, September 22, is also Hobbit Day? ‘Best day ever!’ Tolkein fans may say. But what, exactly, is Hobbit Day?
I’m glad you asked.
Hobbit Day is an holiday of inestimable import celebrated on the mutual birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, our two small but courageous heroes from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Tolkein has translated the day of that ‘Long Awaited Party’ in the text as September 22nd, and it may very well be the oldest festival observance in association with Tolkein fandom, celebrated since 1973. It was officially designated in 1978 and has gained a rather impressive amount of legal dignity due to the elected officials who have supported it through a variety of proclamations, declarations, tributes, and similar governmental documents. Hobbit Day has also attracted bipartisan support from the U.S. County Courthouse, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol.
Imagine that!
So, how do you go about celebrating this prodigious day? Well, you party like an hobbit. Observances include going barefoot all day (my personal favorite. So much so that I observe it every day), costume events, games, feasting (or be like a true hobbit and eat seven meals. First and second breakfasts, anyone?), and fireworks. Or gather amongst fellow enthusiasts and marathon the movies. With the three The Hobbit films out to add to the original LOTR trilogy, that’ll prove to be one extensive event. (I’m down. Who’s with me?)
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply enjoy any excuse to celebrate, Hobbit Day is the perfect holiday to break out your festive best and make merry like they do in the Shire.
How are you celebrating?
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