Hobbit Day

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Hobbit Day is the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, two fictional characters in J. R. R. Tolkien's popular set of books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Both Bilbo and Frodo are born on September 22nd, but of different years. Bilbo is born in the year of 2890 and Frodo in the year of 2968, both in the Third Age on the Shire Calendar.

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[edit] Observance

Due to the discrepancies between the Shire Calendar and the Gregorian Calendar there is some debate for when to celebrate Hobbit Day. Many celebrate on September 22 of the Gregorian Calendar. Some deep students of Tolkien, however, claim that it's a mistake to celebrate those characters' birthday on our Gregorian Calendar because the dates mentioned in the narrative refer to the Shire Calendar, which has significant divergences from ours. More accurately, Tolkien said that the Shire Calendar is in advance by some 10 days (depending on the month) of the Gregorian Calendar. According to calculations, a suggested corresponding date is September 14.

[edit] Celebration

The Fellowship of the Ring opens with a celebration of Bilbo's birthday. It is a large celebration with food, fireworks, dancing and much merriment. In real world some Tolkien fans celebrate with having parties. Others celebrate by simply going barefooted in honour of the hobbits, who rarely wear shoes.

[edit] Related Observance

Another related day celebrated by fans is March 25. This is celebrated as the Fall of Sauron. As of 2003 that day is known as Tolkien reading day, an event to encourage the use of Tolkien's works in education and library reading groups.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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