22 September is National Hobbit Day, and the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the fictional characters from JRR Tolkien’s popular books The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
In the books, it is said that both hobbits were born on 22 September, but in different years.
Bilbo was born in 2890 and Frodo in 2968 of the Third Age (1290 and 1368 respectively in Shire-reckoning).
The American Tolkien Society first proclaimed Hobbit Day and Tolkien Week in 1978. They define these anniversaries as follows: “Tolkien Week is observed as the calendar week containing 22 September, which is always observed as Hobbit Day.”
The society does however acknowledges that Hobbit Day pre-dates their designation.
The Fellowship of the Ring’s opening scene is a celebration of Bilbo’s birthday with a large party. The party had a lot of food, fireworks, dancing and merriment.
To celebrate, have a party or feast with your friends and emulate the Hobbit’s party. Or do what some other Hobbit fans do – go barefoot the whole day to honour the Hobbits’ tradition of not wearing shoes.
Or you can sit back, relax and read the books or watch the movies.
Post on social media using #NationalHobbitDay.
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