September 22 marks the birthday of the beloved hobbits Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. In recognition of these charming characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien, this date has come to be known as 'Hobbit Day' so that fans of hobbits everywhere can pause and celebrate the joys that hobbits bring. So, if you are one of those people who wants to honor the little folk this year, here are some ideas to help you celebrate!
Part 1
Step 1. Plan a long-awaited party with other hobbit fans!
Plan a long-awaited party with other hobbit fans! This relates to the first chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring. In the book, the party happens on Bilbo Baggins' birthday, his departure, and Gandalf's advice to Frodo Baggins. In your case, it’s simply a great excuse to throw a party. Here are some ideas to set the scene:
- Decorate with piles of parcels (to symbolize the cart loaded with bundles in the story), along with heaps of gifts.
- Fireworks (or at least sparklers) - it’s unlikely you can recreate one in the shape of a dragon, but at least think of a flag or a poster featuring a dragon.
- Lanterns for lighting that will remind everyone of the book.
- Include dancing, music, singing, and games.
Step 2. Decide where to hold the party.
Decide where to hold the party. If there’s a large tree in your yard or at a nearby park, make it the "party tree." An outdoor hobbit party is probably more in line with the tradition of large gatherings among hobbits than trying to squeeze everyone indoors, but of course, this will depend on where you live and the weather. The advantage of being outside is that little hobbits can run around without feeling cooped up, and all the crumbs can be eaten by the earth creatures without needing to clean up!
- If you choose to have the party at home, hang up pictures or hobbit-themed decorations. There are many images you can print from online photos to use for decor, and you can edit them with photo software if needed.
Step 3. Make sure there’s plenty of food at your gathering - either a big dish or various snacks.
Make sure there’s plenty of food at your gathering - either a big dish or various snacks. Hobbits are known for their well-stocked pantries, as noted from the very first page of The Hobbit. Food that might be ideal for a hobbit celebration includes (not surprisingly, much of it seems to be traditional English fare):
- Mushrooms - a favorite food among hobbits, and Farmer Maggot grew them, while Frodo got caught trying to steal some.
- Wine (both Bilbo and Frodo inherited vineyards); beer is also popular among hobbits.
- Hot soup.
- Cold meats, pies, pork pies, rabbit, fish and chips, bacon slices.
- Blackberry pies and other dishes with blackberries (including fresh blackberries).
- Freshly baked bread and plenty of butter.
- Pickles are often mentioned.
- Aged cheese.
- Vegetable dishes such as corn, turnips, carrots, potatoes, and onions.
- Apple dishes, like apple pie (with raspberry jam).
- Honey (dishes made with honey, such as honey cakes, would be great).
- Scones (known as biscuits in North America), fruit pies, cakes, and pastries, including seed cakes.
- Finger sandwiches (just because they are small and cute, and hobbits would approve of them if they weren’t too picky).
- Tea and coffee. Keep dressings and sauces to a minimum; apparently, hobbits didn’t fuss much with those.
Step 4. Choose a passage or more about hobbits from one of Tolkien's books to read aloud together.
Choose a passage or more about hobbits from one of Tolkien's books to read aloud together. This is important for both fans and the uninitiated. Fans will recognize the passages, and the uninitiated will get to know hobbits through listening. Ask someone with a great, expressive voice who loves to read publicly to read the excerpts so it sounds enjoyable for everyone.
Step 5. Play games.
Play games. Hobbits loved games, so a party celebrating hobbits needs plenty of them! You can start by pinning a hobbit's name on each guest’s back and making people figure out who they are by asking questions about other guests (without looking). Other games to consider (and each is suitable for any age with some imagination):
- Outdoor games like ring toss, horseshoes, sack races, egg-and-spoon races, three-legged races, coconut toss, etc.
- Indoor games like musical chairs, pass the parcel, chocolate game, pin the tail on the donkey, the waves are rising, telephone game, etc.
- Play rhyming games and create haikus, poems, limericks, etc.
- Play games that involve charades, proverbs, or sayings.
Step 6. Bake a special cake.
Bake a special cake. In addition to the other delicious food, don’t forget that Hobbit Day is also a celebration of Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday. Make or buy a special cake with two candles (one for each hobbit). For fun, you might raise a toast to the Bagginses and give small speeches in their honor.
Step 7. Give charming little favors to everyone who comes to the party.
Give charming little favors to everyone who comes to the party. Provide guests with small, yet creative gifts (such as toys, jewelry, keychains, small musical instruments, puzzles, etc.). This embodies one of the peaceful activities of hobbits (gift-giving) and reflects the spirit of sharing and community that hobbits value.
- For ideas, see how adults can make a candy bag for a birthday, how to assemble a goodie bag, how to sew a fabric gift bag, and how to make gift pouches.
Step 8. If you don’t think friends will be very interested in celebrating Hobbit Day, celebrate the day your way.
If you don’t think friends will be very interested in celebrating Hobbit Day, celebrate the day your way. Spend the whole day walking barefoot, eat about six meals (hobbits are always hungry), or make a Hobbit Day t-shirt to enlighten those around you. Consider making flyers to share with friends and acquaintances to help them understand the significance of this day.
