Celebrating the World of Moomin – A Tale of Two Birthdays

Did you know that Moomin doesn’t just have one “birthday,” but two?

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just stepping into the whimsical Moomin Valley for the first time, these dates reveal how this beloved character made its way into the hearts of people around the world.

⸻

Moomin’s Day – August 9

Every year on August 9, fans across the globe celebrate Moomin’s Day. This date is no coincidence – it’s the birthday of Moomin’s creator, Tove Jansson (1914–2001), the Finnish artist, painter, and writer who brought the Moomin stories to life.

Tove first imagined Moomin during World War II – originally, the character was slimmer and more mysterious than the round, cuddly figure we know today. Over time, Moomin evolved into a symbol of warmth, kindness, and curiosity, capturing the imaginations of both children and adults.

⸻

A Different Kind of Birthday – September 5, 1945

While August 9 celebrates the creator, September 5 marks the debut of Moomin in the literary world. On this day in 1945, Tove published The Moomins and the Great Flood, the very first Moomin novel.

Written in the shadow of wartime, the story follows Moomin and Moomin mamma on a journey to find Moomin pappa, carrying an underlying message of hope, safety, and the search for home. Though the book didn’t gain much attention at first, it became the seed from which the enchanting world of Moomin Valley would grow.

⸻

Fun Moomin Facts You Might Not Know

1. A doodle born of frustration – Moomin’s very first form came from a doodle Tove drew when she was annoyed, featuring a strange creature with a long nose.

2. The name’s origin – Inspired by a playful warning from Tove’s uncle: if she stole snacks from the kitchen, a “Moomintroll” might appear from the cupboard!

3. Not just for kids – While Moomin stories are full of cute adventures, they’re also layered with life lessons. Characters like Snufkin represent freedom, while Little My embodies honesty and boldness.

4. A global icon – From comic strips and animated series to theme parks in Finland and Japan, Moomin’s world has touched hearts far beyond Scandinavia.

⸻

Why We Love Moomin

Moomin isn’t just a charming character – it’s a reminder that kindness, curiosity, and a little bit of adventure can brighten any day. That’s why we’re bringing a touch of Moomin magic into our own collection, so you can take a piece of Moomin Valley home with you.

After all, whether it’s August 9, September 5, or any day in between, it’s always the right time to celebrate Moomin.