While many around the world will be celebrating the first day of Autumn this September 22, those of us whose hearts dwell in Middle-earth regard it as a day of special magnificence.
Both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins share their birthdays on September 22, which is why we Tolkien fans refer to it as Hobbit Day. In The Lord of the Rings, it marks the day of Bilbo’s 111th Long Awaited Party, whereas in The Hobbit, it is the day poor, wet Bilbo arrives by barrel in Laketown.
Fans began celebrating Hobbit Day back in 1978, and is now widely celebrated throughout the Tolkien fandom. Parties are thrown, food is eaten, and most of all, the life and work of J. R. R. Tolkien is remembered and cherished.
September 22 also marks the start of Feast Week, which we here at Middle-earth News, love to take part in! Feast Week celebrates the first eight days of the Hobbits’ journey outside Hobbiton. Each day we post a recipe inspired by the meal the Hobbits ate that night, and 2016 marks our fourth year participating. If you want to know more about Feast Week and see past recipes, click here.
I already know some of you are planning on outdoing yourself with fantastic feasts, spending time reading one of Tolkien’s works, or perhaps going to work dressed as a Hobbit (my personal choice!). The Staff at Middle-earth News would love to be a part of your own celebrations, whatever they may be! Share your pics on social media and tag us, or comment in the section below.
Happy Hobbit Day, from Middle-earth News!
