The dancing bear is perhaps the most loved of the Grateful Dead's iconic symbols.

 Created for the back cover of History of the Grateful Dead, Volume 1, artist Bob Thomas took his inspiration from a 36-point lead slug of a happy-looking bear he found in an old-fashioned printer's font box. How the weird Kermit-esque collar the bears have come to sport developed over time is not clear, although the chest fur of Thomas's original bears probably evolved through interpretation into the pointy choker design we know today.

Since the Grateful Dead bear's first debut on the album cover in 1970, the bear has found its way onto t-shirts, mugs, hats, ties, plush toys, and more. Of course they're adorable, but is there more behind Deadhead's love of these cuddly-looking creatures? Jerry Garcia was affectionately known as “Papa Bear”--perhaps the bears remind us of the warmth and joy of the big man himself. The bears also seem to epitomize Deadhead culture, dancing, laughing, marching arm in arm in solidarity, exhibiting both individuality and anonymity amongst their close and kind kin. In addition, there is also that fact that in many cultures and religions around the world, bears have long been viewed as symbols of courage and strength, considered totem animals to the brave and the bold.

The next time you come across a depiction of a Grateful Dead bear in action, you'll know better than to let that happy smile fool you—behind all that irresistible cuteness lies a core of enduring power!