J R R Tolkien's Birthday to Be Toasted by Fans Worldwide

J.R.R. Tolkien was born 118 years ago on Jan. 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Today, Tolkien fans will celebrate with a birthday toast at 9 p.m. local time to the renowned author of "The Hobbit and "The Lord of the Rings."

According to The Tolkien Society's website, the person must stand, raise a glass of choice and say "The Professor" before sipping or swigging the drink, and sitting back down to finish it off.

The society is an international organization registered in the United Kingdom to encourage interest in the life and works of the late Professor J.R.R. Tolkien, its website says.