Mystical Powers of Teddy Bears

Four Psychological Powers of Teddy Bears

Priscilla V. Marotta, Ph.D.

 

Teddy Bears are a wonderful tool for psychological health. Look around your home and the home of your friends. Almost every home has a collectable teddy bear or a collectable teddy bear figurine. What is so powerful about a teddy bear? Why does even the thought of a teddy bear bring a smile to your face? Teddy bears are cherished, many are collectable, and there are so many types of cuddly collectable teddy bears. This is understandable when you realize that there are four powerful psychological effects of teddy bears.

First, teddy bears are the symbol of child-like innocence. The remind us of being nurtured and cared for by others. Teddy bears are a symbol of the care free moments of childhood when our greatest concerns were the next play time. We all hold on to our “inner child” that still remains with us. No matter what adult responsibilities that we may have, we all need to have moments of escape. Also, there are children in our lives that are still receiving there quota of teddy bear gifts.

Second, teddy bears remind us of a special person who loved us and brought us a teddy bear. Teddy bears remind us of the joy of being loved. Teddy bears are not a sex symbol…they are a love symbol! They remind us that someone loves us and treasures us. Psychological assessment tests have proven teddy bears have a positive effect on people’s emotions. The psychological necessities for love and caring are central to human lives. Teddy bears are used by police officers and fire fighters to bring comfort to families who are experiencing difficulties. They are a universal symbol of caring.

Third, teddy bears are also used as gifts to remember special occasions. Therefore, teddy bears are treasured for the memory that they represent. It may be a special boyfriend or girlfriend, or a teddy bear from your youth, or a teddy bear purchased for Mother’s Day. I have a special teddy bear on my bed, given to me from my son on Mother’s Day. Each time I look at the bear, holding my heart, I think of my son and a warm feeling floods my heart. The psychological value of treasured memories is great. Pleasant memories color our world with happy thoughts and bring comfort in difficult times.

The fourth powerful psychological impact is the power of the soft touch. A huggable, warm teddy bear brings the comfort of touch. Touch is a powerful need among human beings. Holding something soft gives us immense psychological comfort. The ability to hug a soft object provides a seductive combination. Holding a teddy bear is a simple pleasure that provides relief from stress. A few moments with a teddy bear are a simple tool to bring your blood pressure down, put positive endorphins in your body, and provide a moment of peace.

It is amazing to realize that a teddy bear is a unique personalized gift and that teddy bears are special. In today’s hectic world, a teddy bear is a proven comfort item with multiple psychological benefits.

 

Hug a teddy bear today!

Don’t be afraid of the Dark

 

www.MyPictureTeddyBear.com

http://www.mypictureteddybear.com/teddy-bear-psychology.php

 

PROVENANCE 101

Definition:

The history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or literature

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provenance

 

What does it involve?

Establishing provenance involves collecting evidence that the item is what you say it is. Examples of such evidence includes, but not limited to, pictures, bill of sale, verification thru manufacturer of serial number. Pertaining to the last one, with some items like guns, if you provide the serial number to manufacturer they will verify its authenticity and model number, along with the production dates. Another example would be symbols on pottery or porcelain – these would identify the manufacturer and many times the production dates.

 

How much?

How much depends on the history of the piece. If you just acquired a brand new item, there is not going to be much history, and just a little bit of provenance. In this case, be sure to keep and include the original Bill of Sale – this will establish when, how much was paid, and who it was sold to. If you newly acquired an older piece like a Civil War Confederate gun, you will have a Bill of Sale of the just completed sale and hopefully one or more Civil War era documents.  Additionally, you should be getting an establish provenance from the previous owner. If not you should get as many details as possible from the previous owner. The rest you will probably have to research on your own.

If you own a family heirloom that has been handed down from generation to generation you may have an accurate accounting of the item’s history, or maybe not. You may or may not have any documents like a Bill of Sales, pictures, certificates of authenticity, signatures (like that of an artist on a painting), or symbols on pottery or porcelain. Start with what you have and go from there. If you have an artist’s signature on a painting, go from there. If it is a recognized artist, the rest may fall into place. If the artist is not recognized, it may take some time and digging to find out the rest.

 

Who cares?

There are intended audiences. Future generations of your family would be one example. It is harder to research and attain good history and provenance as time slips by. For family heirlooms, the sooner you establish the provenance and history of your heirloom, the better.

For items intended for sale at auction or otherwise outside of your family, provenance becomes crucial. Verified provenance often commands a premium, as history and verification of the item is established (the casual observer of Antiques Roadshow recognizes this).

 

The Next Step

If you bought a brand new item, you probably have the Bill of Sale, and the circumstances surrounding the purchase (e.g. bought by Mom for Junior’s 10^th birthday). The only thing left to do is take a picture of Junior with the item on his 10^th birthday. Be sure to add significant events or changes in status as time goes on that would be of importance to the item’s provenance.

If you have an older item, you may already have some provenance. Verify and document that provenance. During the verification and documentation process, you may find more information relevant to your particular items’ provenance. Be forewarned – the process may take some time and effort in gathering the needed information and related documents. Much of it will depend on whether there is an established market for your item. As noted in “Who Cares?” it is harder to research and attain good history and provenance as time slips by.