Hug A Bear of Your Very Own

Ever wonder about the story behind "Teddy's Bears?" More than just cuddly, teddy bears have a history. As everyone knows, real bears disappear in winter and reappear in spring. Bears symbolize renewal and rebirth. In some cultures, the bear symbolizes female energy and is considered powerful medicine. But, the story of the teddy bear did not come about because of her symbolism. Instead, the teddy bear was borne out of a story about President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt’s refusal to shoot a bear that had been captured. He considered it bad form and lacking ethics. A Washington Post cartoon by Clifford Berryman captured the story, which was seen by a Russian immigrant by the name of Morris Michtom who asked his wife, Rose, to create a stuffed bear like the one in the cartoon. She made one and put it in the couple’s store window and it not only sold, but every bear she made sold out, too. The bears were dubbed “Teddy’s Bears” and were a huge success. President Roosevelt gave his permission to continue calling the bears by his nickname “Teddy” and the rest is history. The Company’s name was the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company, which still exists today. This story resonates with us here at The Peace Hour as well as on our Think Peace Radio Network, but in addition so do the symbols associated with the bear. We find the idea of bear magic appealing. We love the idea of renewal and rebirth since both are needed for each of us committed to the peace movement. Because of the bear’s fierceness and strength, we believe that bears also symbolize our need to utilize our combined strengths as passions to build cultures of peace all around the world. In addition, we believe that the symbol of the bear is perfect for the work that we do, telling the stories of peace in action.

     Our bears come with t-shirts that say "God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions," Think Peace," and our new t-shirt with "Give Peas a Chance." We've included a picture here for you. 

"Won't you take one of us home?" Bears are available for your support of The Peace Hour and Think Peace Radio Network. If you're interested in having one of these bears for your very own, email me at info@thepeacehour.org for pricing information.