Did you know the Teddy bear is named after former U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt?
He hated the nickname, but it has endured.
Two rival toymakers originally developed the bears(at the same time but in different parts of the world), but they have since become the staple toys for every toymaker-everywhere!
The manufacturers strived for the bears to imitate real bear cubs closely.
Since then, they’ve become more anthropomorphic (love that word!) and less true-to-life.
Despite their origin, the design of the bears was meant to stand-in for the real thing. These days teddy bears symbolize love, congratulations, or sympathy.
That’s a lot of pressure on a small bear cub.
Hug your bear! Sonja