Brussels and Yoga Smurf have come together to promote the International Day of Yoga organised by the Embassy of India. Celebrations in the form of mass yoga sessions will be happening around the world. 21st of June was designated the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014.
One mass yoga session caught my attention more than any other. In Brussels as part of their celebrations a commemorative t-shirt featuring Yoga Smurf will be sold to raise funds for UNICEF.
The Yoga Smurf figurine was first produced in 1993 by Schleich (Ref #20423). Sitting in the lotus position with his legs crossed with his arms out to the sides. Yoga Smurf is wearing his customary white pants and hat. Yoga Smurf was only available until 1996.
All of the Yoga smurfs share the same marking Made in China Schleich S Germany (c) 93 Peyo CE. But the early ones that were made, had a marking that was barely visible. The later Yoga Smurf version that was produced had a bolder marking. I do not believe it was never produced with a black paint dot. (painted in Portugal or Tunisia)
In 1998 Schleich released the Mushroom Playset ( Ref #40622) that also included Yoga Smurf. This new playset combined two old playsets; Mushroom Playset (old number 4) and Snail & Cart Playset (old number 8). This was the last time we saw Yoga Smurf produced by Schleich.
I wonder with the increase of people participating in yoga and with things like International Day of Yoga, if we will see the return of the Yoga Smurf figurine by Schleich. I hope so as he has such a relaxing, soothing and calming influence on anyone who sees him.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B