The Care Bears are a group of colorful, cuddly teddy bears that have been popular toy characters since the 1980s. There are dozens of Care Bears, but the original ten bears are the most well-known.
The Care Bears were created by American Greetings in 1981 as part of a line of greeting cards. The original artwork for the characters was painted by artist Elena Kucharik. The bears quickly became popular and soon branched out into toys, books, clothes, and a television series.
Each Care Bear has a special symbol on its belly that represents its personality and role. For example, Cheer Bear has a rainbow as her symbol to represent happiness. The original batch of ten Care Bears includes some of the best-loved characters like Cheer Bear, Bedtime Bear, and Wish Bear. Let’s take a closer look at the original ten Care Bears:
Tenderheart Bear
Tenderheart Bear has a big red heart with a smaller red heart inside as his belly symbol. As the founder and unofficial leader of the Care Bears, he helps guide the other bears on their missions to spread caring and give help where it is needed. Tenderheart Bear is intelligent, decisive, and warm-hearted. His red fur matches his caring personality.
Funshine Bear
Funshine Bear is a yellow bear with a smiling sun as her belly badge. She helps spread joy and reminds everyone to see the bright side of life. Funshine Bear loves jokes, games, and having as much fun as possible. She also helps the other Care Bears stay positive when they’re feeling down.
Cheer Bear
Cheer Bear is one of the most recognizable Care Bears with her pink fur and rainbow belly symbol. As her name suggests, Cheer Bear helps spread happiness and cheer wherever she goes. She loves parties, celebrations, and anything that brings a smile to someone’s face. With her outgoing and friendly nature, Cheer Bear lifts people’s spirits.
Grumpy Bear
Grumpy Bear looks like his name with his scowling expression and crossed arms stance. But deep down, he has a heart of gold. Grumpy Bear’s symbol is a rain cloud with raindrops because he’s usually gloomy about any situation. He actually cares deeply about his fellow Care Bears and humans, but has trouble showing it.
Bedtime Bear
Bedtime Bear is clearly ready for bed at any time with his wrinkly pajamas, slippers, and candlestick belly badge. He helps spread sleep and dreams to the world after a long day. When the other Care Bears are getting sleepy, Bedtime Bear tucks them in with a bedtime story or a song. His sleepy tone and comforting presence makes everyone feel at ease.
Love-a-Lot Bear
Pink-furred Love-a-Lot Bear lives up to her name by sharing feelings of love wherever she goes. Her belly symbol is two intertwined hearts representing love and caring. Love-a-Lot Bear helps friends, humans, and other Care Bears feel understood, accepted, and appreciated through the power of love.
Friend Bear
Friend Bear stays true to her name with her smiling face and two smiling daisies as her tummy symbol. She loves making new friends and bringing people together in the spirit of friendship. Friend Bear shows that kindness and thoughtfulness can help friendships bloom. She enjoys parties with all her pals.
Wish Bear
With her gentle nature and shooting star belly badge, Wish Bear helps make wishes come true. She encourages people to follow their dreams and make their wishes and hopes real through determination. Wish Bear is highly intuitive and can sense what someone truly desires.
Birthday Bear
What’s a party without Birthday Bear? This multicolored bear loves celebrations of all kinds, especially birthdays. Balloons are the symbol on Birthday Bear’s stomach, and she delights in decorating for and planning the best bashes possible. There’s no birthday surprise or gift Birthday Bear can’t help with.
Good Luck Bear
Good Luck Bear’s special four-leaf clover tummy symbol helps spread good fortune wherever she goes. She loves games, contests, and chances to boost someone’s luck. With her lucky horseshoe necklace and upbeat nature, Good Luck Bear encourages people to make the most of life’s opportunities.
The Original 10
These original Care Bears have become cherished childhood icons for generations. Their caring mission resonates with children and adults alike. Here is a quick summary:
| Bear | Symbol | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tenderheart Bear | Heart | Leadership |
| Funshine Bear | Sun | Fun |
| Cheer Bear | Rainbow | Happiness |
| Grumpy Bear | Cloud/Rain | Pessimism |
| Bedtime Bear | Candle | Sleep |
| Love-a-Lot Bear | Hearts | Love |
| Friend Bear | Daisies | Friendship |
| Wish Bear | Shooting Star | Wishes |
| Birthday Bear | Balloons | Birthdays |
| Good Luck Bear | Clover | Luck |
Legacy
Since their introduction in the 1980s, hundreds more Care Bear characters have been created over the decades. But the original batch of ten Care Bears holds a special place in pop culture history. They launched the success of the Care Bears brand and embodied the core values of caring that still drive these lovable bears today. For fans both young and old, Tenderheart Bear, Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear, and the rest will always be the most important members of the Care Bear family. Their symbols, personalities, and compassion have stood the test of time.
Conclusion
The original ten Care Bears – Tenderheart Bear, Funshine Bear, Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear, Bedtime Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, Friend Bear, Wish Bear, Birthday Bear, and Good Luck Bear – have become iconic symbols of caring. Their tummy symbols and special roles give each bear unique qualities while promoting sharing, feelings, dreams, celebrations, and love. These ten lovable bears launched a global franchise with their personalities and missions. For generations past and future, the original ten Care Bears will continue to capture hearts and spread cheer across the world. Their message of caring and helping others remains timeless.