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Teddy Day History: There is a competition to gift teddy bears on the fourth day of Valentine’s Week i.e. Teddy Day. But there was a time in India when the tradition of Gudda-Gudiya was at the top after weddings or in childhood games. In today’s times, teddies have taken their place but the story and emotions behind them are completely different.

Teddy bear is a global symbol of romance today, but in Indian culture, toys have been associated not only with entertainment but also with rituals and folklore. Let us understand how clay and cloth dolls are different from today’s Teddy.

ancient tradition

Symbol of rituals and marriage: In Indian tradition, dolls were not just objects of play. In ancient times, daughters were given dolls at the time of farewell so that they would not be reminded of their mother’s home. Even today in many states, the wedding of Gudda-Gudiya is celebrated as a festival which was a playful way to make children understand the future social responsibilities and family structure. These were often made from fabric clippings or clay with a personal touch. These reflected the strength of love and relationships of that era.

teddy bear

The story to an American President, Teddy Bear started with an interesting historical event. In 1902, US President Theodore Teddy Roosevelt went on a hunt where he refused to kill a helpless bear. A cartoonist drew a picture of this incident and a New York shopkeeper made a teddy bear in Roosevelt’s name. Since then it has become a symbol of innocence and protection.

How are the traditions of both different?

While dolls represented family and social structure, teddy bears symbolized personal love and care.

Dolls were human figures that children played with at home, while teddy was a cute animal form that was easy to cuddle.

The tradition of Gudda-Gudiya was associated with group games and festivals, whereas Teddy Day has now become completely couple oriented and commercial.

In today’s time, dolls may have been reduced to the boxes of folk arts and memories, but the basic feeling of expressing love remains the same. Teddy bear is the modern embodiment of that innocence.