National Lollypop Day

Young child with a lollypop in hand, wearing a colorful shirt, playground setting, surrounded by cheerful friends.. — National lollypop day illustration

Welcome to National Lollypop Day, the sweetest day of the year! On this delightful occasion, we celebrate the joy of these colorful and mouthwatering treats that bring out the child in all of us. Whether you prefer classic flavors like cherry or watermelon, or you're a fan of the more exotic varieties, today is the perfect day to indulge in the sugary goodness of lollypops. So grab a lollypop, sit back, and let's dive into the fascinating history of this beloved candy!

When is Lollypop Day?

It's national lollypop day on the 20th July.

The Origins of Lollypops

Would you believe that lollypops have been around for centuries? It's true! The ancient Egyptians and Arabs enjoyed a sweet treat called 'qatātif' which consisted of a stick dipped in honey. Over the years, the concept of a candy on a stick evolved and spread across various cultures. But it wasn't until the early 20th century that the modern lollypop as we know it began to take shape.

In the early 1900s, George Smith, a candy-maker from New Haven, Connecticut, is credited with inventing the modern lollypop. He was the first to put hard candy on a stick, creating a convenient and portable treat that was easy to enjoy anywhere. Smith named his creation after his favorite racehorse, Lolly Pop.

Celebrating National Lollypop Day

Now that you know a bit about the history, let's dive into the fun ways to celebrate National Lollypop Day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Host a lollypop tasting party and invite friends and family to savor a variety of flavors.
Create your own DIY lollypops by melting hard candy and pouring it into fun-shaped molds.
Challenge your friends to a lollypop lick-off and see who can make their lollypop last the longest.
Donate lollypops to local charities or hospitals to bring a smile to someone's face.
Try your hand at making giant lollypops using colored sugar and a wooden dowel.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest lollypop was made in 2012? This gigantic candy creation weighed a whopping 7,003 pounds and measured 15 feet in length. That's one lollypop you definitely can't fit in your pocket!

History behind the term 'Lollypop'

1784

The First Mention

The term 'lollypop' was first mentioned in a book titled 'Confectioners' Dictionary'. It described 'lollypops' as a sweetmeat consisting of boiled sugar, flavored with various essences and formed into a stick. However, the term did not become widely known or used at this time.

1908

Lollipop Song

In 1908, the song 'Lollipop' was released by The Chordettes. This catchy tune became a hit and introduced the term 'lollipop' to a wider audience. The song's popularity contributed to the term's rise in usage and recognition in popular culture.

1920s

Mass Production and Popularity

During the 1920s, advances in confectionery manufacturing led to the mass production of lollipops. The ease of production, coupled with their appeal as a portable and enjoyable treat, contributed to the growing popularity of lollipops among both children and adults.

1931

Lollipop Trademark

In 1931, the first recorded use of the term 'lollipop' as a registered trademark occurred. The trademark was filed by George Smith, who is credited with inventing the modern-style lollipop. This served to solidify the term's association with the specific candy product.

1965

Round Lollipop Design

The classic round-shaped lollipop design, with a flat disk or sphere of candy on the end of a stick, became widely popular in the mid-1960s. This iconic design further solidified the term 'lollipop' in the public consciousness, representing a timeless and universally recognized candy.