Hobbit Day is a celebration of the fictional world created by J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically honoring the birthdays of his beloved hobbit characters, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. This special occasion falls on September 22, a date that fans of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” will recognize as the shared birthday of these central figures in Middle-earth lore.
Hobbit Day is part of a larger celebration known as Tolkien Week, which is observed during the week containing September 22. Enthusiasts around the world mark Hobbit Day with various festivities reminiscent of a hobbit’s life—feasting, merriment, and camaraderie. It’s a time for fans to embrace the spirit of adventure, friendship, and the simple joys of living as celebrated in Tolkien’s enduring works.
History of Hobbit Day
Hobbits are a fictional, diminutive, humanoid race who inhabit the lands of Middle-earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novels. They are known for their love of peace, comfort, and simple pleasures, such as tending their gardens, enjoying good food, and celebrating with friends. Hobbits live in hobbit-holes, cozy, earth-embedded dwellings found primarily in the Shire, a region of Middle-earth. They play central roles in Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” with characters like Bilbo and Frodo Baggins undertaking pivotal quests.
The tradition of celebrating the birthdays of two significant characters from the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, emerged from the enthusiasm of the author’s admirers. Recognized on the 22nd of September, the date that corresponds to the shared birthday of these characters, this observance has evolved into what is known as Hobbit Day. Initiated in 1978 by the proponents of Tolkien’s literature within the American Tolkien Society, this day has steadily gained a following.
Enthusiasts typically honor Hobbit Day by throwing parties inspired by the hobbits’ own merry-making, indulging in feasts reflective of the Shire’s culinary customs, or engaging in group readings from the celebrated texts. Its establishment has turned into a cornerstone for a broader week-long festivity termed Tolkien Week, an occasion providing ample opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in Tolkien’s rich narrative landscape and pay homage to his enduring influence on fantasy writing.
Hobbit Day Timeline
The Quest of Erebor
Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit of the Shire, joins Thorin Oakenshield's company to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and faces the dragon Smaug.
Bilbo's Farewell Birthday Party
Bilbo Baggins celebrates his 111th birthday and leaves the Shire, passing on the One Ring to his heir, Frodo Baggins.
The War of the Ring
Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, leading to the defeat of Sauron and the end of the Third Age.
Beginning of the Fourth Age
The Fourth Age begins with the departure of Gandalf, Galadriel, Elrond, and Bilbo Baggins to the Undying Lands, marking a new era for Middle-earth and Hobbits.
Hobbit Day Celebrations
Fans of Tolkien's works celebrate Bilbo and Frodo's birthdays on Hobbit Day.
Ideas to Celebrate Hobbit Day
An Unexpected Feast
Throw a Hobbit-inspired feast featuring all the seven Hobbit meals - breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. Use rustic table settings and decorations reminiscent of the Shire. Include classic dishes from the books like seed cakes, pork pies, and plenty of ale and mead.
Hobbit Costume Party
Invite friends to dress up as their favorite characters from the Shire. Award prizes for the best costumes and most likely to be mistaken for a Baggins or a Took. Don’t forget the hairy feet and pointy ears!
Middle-earth Movie Marathon
Host a marathon viewing of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' films. Create a cozy viewing area with plenty of cushions and blankets. Offer themed snacks and intermissions in keeping with Hobbit meal times.
Shire Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt around your local area or garden with clues and riddles inspired by Bilbo’s adventures. Include small treasures along the way, like costume jewelry to represent the Arkenstone or golden rings.
Read-aloud and Storytelling Evening
Gather friends and family for an evening where each guest reads their favorite passage from the Hobbit or shares a short story they’ve written set in Middle-earth. Use candlelight for a cozy, old-world atmosphere.
Riddles in the Dark Competition
Imitate the iconic 'Riddles in the Dark' chapter with a riddle contest. Participants can take turns asking and answering riddles. Offer a small prize for the person who solves or stumps others with the best riddles.
8 Interesting Facts About Hobbits
Smaller Stature
Hobbits are a diminutive humanoid race, averaging about half the height of humans. They are typically around three to four feet tall, making their small size an advantage when needing to be quick or stealthy.
Barefoot Wanderers
Hobbits have tough, leathery soles and thick hair on the tops of their feet, which means they seldom wear shoes. Their feet are well-adapted to the terrain of the Shire, which is where most hobbits reside.
Lovers of Comfort
Hobbits enjoy simple, comfortable lives and have a great love for good food, drink, and well-tended gardens. They prefer a quiet, pastoral existence and are often farmers or gardeners.
Exceptional Stealth
Despite their peaceful nature, hobbits are remarkably stealthy and are able to move quietly in their natural environments. This trait makes them excellent at evading unwanted attention and it played a critical role in the quests undertaken by famous hobbits like Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.
Six Meals a Day
Hobbits are known for their hearty appetites, often eating six meals a day when they can get them. Their daily meals include breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper.
Longevity
Hobbits have a longer life span compared to humans. They consider themselves to be of age at 33 and can often live to be over 100 years old, with the oldest known hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, reaching the age of 131.
Famous Hobbits
Some of the most renowned hobbits include Bilbo Baggins, who discovered the One Ring and set in motion the epic events of 'The Hobbit', and his nephew Frodo Baggins, who played a pivotal role in its destruction during 'The Lord of the Rings'.
No Love for Adventure
Traditionally, hobbits are homebodies who prefer not to engage in adventures or the world beyond. However, the stories documented by J.R.R. Tolkien point out the extraordinary circumstances in which hobbits stepped out of their comfort zones to become unlikely heroes.
Hobbit Day FAQs
Next Hobbit Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 22nd | Friday |
| 2024 | September 22nd | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 22nd | Monday |
| 2026 | September 22nd | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 22nd | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every September 22nd | |
Hobbit Day Word Search
- Hobbit
- Bilbo
- Frodo
- Shire
- Baggins
- Pippin