A Long Expected Party: Hobbit Day!

September 22nd: Bilbo Baggins’ birthday…and Frodo Baggins’ birthday… and the first day of fall this year! I was first introduced to the idea of celebrating Hobbit day about ten years ago when an acquaintance at college celebrated with snacks, reading, tree climbing, and generally enjoying the day. When I moved into the Carriage House, I had the perfect setting for a party.

Yesterday, I had friends over to celebrate. Thirteen told me they were coming. This seemed problematic for such an endeavor. As Gandalf says, “you can stop at thirteen and have all the bad luck you like,” but fortunately, one of the friends brought their baby. We had our fourteenth, and a halfling at that!

I had fun putting together a playlist which included parts of the movie soundtracks as well as songs that fit the spirit of celebration for the small things in life: food, drink, and a place at the table.

We started with a liturgy for feasting with friends from Every Moment Holy by Doug McKelvey. We raised our glasses and declared, “In celebrating this feast we declare that evil and death, suffering and loss, sorrow and tears, will not have the final word.” We feasted on soup, cider, and all kinds of delicious foods.

We enjoyed telling riddles and played guessing games. We were having too much fun to get many candid shots so these posed ones will have to do. Mom said that the mammoth plants in the garden this year helped me look Hobbit size. Yes, that’s a basil “bush” up to my hip!

If you are wondering, yes, I did make the weskit last year and I wear it often with my regular outfits. I also made the blouse for the party.

If anyone is considering celebrating Hobbit Day, my only regret was not saving some sparklers in the summer when they were in stores!