National Hokey Pokey Day

Children at a park, wearing colorful clothes, dancing and laughing while doing the Hokey Pokey. — National hokey pokey day illustration

Get ready to put your right foot in, because it's National Hokey Pokey Day! This wacky and playful holiday celebrates one of the most beloved and questionable dances of all time. So, grab your loved ones and get ready to shake it all about!

When is Hokey Pokey Day?

It's national hokey pokey day on the 8th September.

The Origins of the Hokey Pokey

The history of the Hokey Pokey is as convoluted as trying to learn the dance itself. While many claim that it originated in the United States in the 1940s, its roots can be traced back even further in time.

Some say the dance was inspired by a British folk dance called the 'Hokey Cokey,' which dates back to the 17th century. Others believe it has ties to a traditional Maori dance from New Zealand. And then there are those who claim it was simply a silly invention by a group of rowdy friends looking for a good time.

Regardless of its origins, the Hokey Pokey has managed to capture the hearts and awkwardly coordinated limbs of people all around the world.

Hokey Pokey Fun Facts

Did you know that the Hokey Pokey has different variations in different countries? In the UK, it's called the Hokey Cokey, while in Australia, it's known as the Hokey Pokey. And just when you thought it couldn't get any more confusing, some places even have their own regional versions with unique steps and moves!

History behind the term 'Hokey Pokey'

1813

Introduction in British culture

The term 'hokey-pokey' originated in British culture in 1813. It referred to a form of ice cream that was sold by street vendors. This type of ice cream was made by stirring together various flavors and freezing them in small molds. The vendors would then sell the frozen treat to children and adults on the streets of London, often shouting 'hokey-pokey' to attract customers.

1830

First recorded mention

The term 'hokey pokey' was first recorded in print in 1830 in a song called 'The Hokey Pokey' by Charles Mackay. The song described the dance and included the lyrics 'Hokey Pokey, penny a lump'. It is believed that the term may have originated as a nonsense phrase to mimic the sound of a dance or a chant.

1830

A Traditional British Ice Cream

In the 1830s, a type of ice cream called 'hokey pokey' was popular in Britain. It consisted of a sweetened mixture made from boiled sugar, treacle, and water, which was then poured over small pieces of ice and served in a cone. The name 'hokey pokey' was derived from the hocus pocus, a term used to describe sleight of hand tricks performed by street entertainers.

1860s

Origin of the term 'hokey pokey'

Hokey pokey, initially known as a term for a type of ice cream sold in the streets, originated in the 1860s in the United Kingdom. The term 'hokey pokey' was derived from the Italian phrase 'ecco un poco,' which means 'this is a little' or 'here is a little.' It referred to the small portions of ice cream served by street vendors.

1850

The Origin

The term 'hokey pokey' originated in the mid-19th century and was primarily used as a slang phrase in Britain. It was originally a term used to describe a cheap ice cream or sherbet sold by street vendors. The name likely derived from the Italian phrase 'ecco un poco,' which translates to 'here is a little' and was often shouted by the vendors to attract customers.

1850

The Origins of 'Hokey Pokey'

The term 'hokey pokey' first appeared in the 19th century as a slang term in the United Kingdom. It originally referred to a cheap ice cream made with stale bread and diluted milk. The term 'hokey pokey' was used to describe this low-quality, penny-pinching treat.

1940

Hokey Pokey as a Song and Dance Craze

In the 1940s, 'hokey pokey' became associated with a popular song and dance craze in North America. The song, titled 'The Hokey Pokey,' was first recorded by the Canadian band, The Ramblers, in 1949. It quickly gained popularity and became a hit with both children and adults. The dance routine that accompanied the song involved participants putting their right hands, left hands, right feet, and left feet in and out in a playful manner.

1940

Ice cream connection

In the 1940s, 'hokey pokey' started to gain another meaning associated with ice cream. In the United Kingdom, 'hokey pokey' became a popular term for a type of ice cream that consisted of plain ice cream with pieces of toffee or honeycomb mixed in. This usage of 'hokey pokey' became especially prevalent in the seaside towns where it was sold from street vendors, often served on a stick or in a cone.

1940

Dancing into Popularity

In the 1940s, 'hokey pokey' took on a new meaning when it became associated with a lively dance. The dance routine was popularized by a group of musicians, including accordionist Larry Laprise, in the United States and Canada. The 'hokey pokey' dance involved participants following a series of instructions, such as putting their right foot in, putting their right foot out, and shaking it all about. It quickly gained popularity and became a staple at parties and social events.

1940s

Hokey pokey and the dance craze

In the 1940s, the term 'hokey pokey' became associated with a popular dance craze. The dance, often accompanied by the song 'The Hokey Pokey,' involved participants performing a series of movements while following lyrics that instructed them to 'put your right foot in, put your right foot out, put your right foot in, and shake it all about.' The dance gained widespread popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom, becoming a staple at parties and social gatherings.

19th Century

The Penny Lick

During the 19th century, the hokey pokey ice cream was often sold by street vendors. They used a glass called a 'penny lick' to serve the ice cream. A penny lick was a small glass with a long handle, which customers would lick the ice cream from. After each customer, the glass was quickly rinsed in water before being reused.

19th century

Spread to the United States

During the 19th century, British immigrants brought the term 'hokey-pokey' and the concept of the frozen treat to the United States. It quickly became popular among children and adults alike, especially in urban areas. Street vendors in cities like New York and Boston would sell hokey-pokey ice cream, much like their counterparts in Britain, creating a sense of familiarity for the immigrant communities.

1953

Hokey Pokey as an Ice Cream Flavor

The term 'hokey pokey' took on a new meaning in the 1950s when it became associated with a popular flavor of ice cream. Hokey pokey ice cream consists of vanilla ice cream mixed with small chunks of honeycomb toffee or caramelized sugar. This unique flavor gained popularity in New Zealand and Australia, where it is still a beloved treat today.

1913

Hokey Pokey as a dance

In 1913, the term 'hokey pokey' also became associated with a dance. It was a simple, participatory dance that involved following a series of steps and gestures. The dance became quite popular at parties, social gatherings, and even in schools. People would dance to a song called 'The Hokey Pokey,' which provided instructions for the dance moves. The infectious nature of the dance contributed to its widespread popularity.

1950s

Hokey pokey as a type of confectionery

In the 1950s, 'hokey pokey' expanded its meaning beyond ice cream and dance. It became associated with a type of confectionery made by mixing caramelized sugar with dairy ingredients such as milk or cream. This hokey pokey candy typically had a crunchy texture and a distinct toffee-like flavor. It gained popularity as a treat enjoyed by people of all ages.

1860

Hokey Pokey Merchants

By the 1860s, dedicated hokey pokey merchants were a common sight on the streets of Britain. They would carry wooden trays filled with small scoops of hokey pokey ice cream, and customers could purchase a scoop for a penny. The merchants had catchy, rhyming chants to attract attention and entice passersby to indulge in the delicious treat.

1953

The Recording

In 1953, 'The Hokey Pokey' song was recorded by artist Ray Anthony and his orchestra. The song brought the dance to a wider audience and further cemented its popularity. 'The Hokey Pokey' became a hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard charts. The catchy lyrics and infectious rhythm made it a favorite among children and adults alike.

1949

Trademarked ice cream treat

In New Zealand, 'hokey pokey' gained even more popularity when it was trademarked as a specific flavor of ice cream. In 1949, Tip Top, a New Zealand ice cream manufacturer, registered 'Hokey Pokey' as a trademark and began producing ice cream with chunks of honeycomb mixed in. This delicious flavor quickly became a national favorite, deeply ingrained in the country's ice cream culture.

1940s

Hokey Pokey song release

In the 1940s, the 'Hokey Pokey' song was recorded and released. The song, with its catchy tune and lyrics, further solidified the term's association with the dance. It became an international hit, reaching people around the world and introducing them to the concept of the 'Hokey Pokey' dance. The song continues to be played at parties and events, often accompanied by the dance performed by enthusiastic participants.

1952

Global fame

The term 'hokey pokey' started to spread beyond the shores of New Zealand in the 1950s. With the advent of television and international travel, people from around the world began to experience the delightful flavor combination of 'hokey pokey' ice cream. It became internationally recognized as a popular ice cream flavor and gained global fame, further solidifying its place in the history of frozen treats.

1963

International Recognition

The 'hokey pokey' dance and song gained international recognition in the 1960s, with various versions appearing in different countries. In the United Kingdom, it was performed as 'The Hokey Cokey,' while in New Zealand, it was known as the 'Hokey Tokey.' The dance's simplicity and universal appeal made it a popular choice for parties and celebrations worldwide.

20th Century

The Transformation into a Dance

In the early 20th century, the term 'hokey pokey' started to take on a different meaning. It began to be associated with a popular dance that involved putting hands, feet, and other body parts in and out while following simple instructions. The dance was often accompanied by a song, which further popularized the term.

1970

Hokey Pokey as a Song Marketing Campaign

In the 1970s, the British band Mungo Jerry released a song called 'In the Summertime,' which featured a verse about doing the 'hokey cokey,' a variation of the 'hokey pokey.' The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the charts in multiple countries. The catchy tune brought the term 'hokey pokey' back into the limelight, further solidifying its place in popular culture.

1970s

Hokey pokey and the song 'The Hokey Pokey'

By the 1970s, 'The Hokey Pokey' song had become firmly ingrained in popular culture. It was often played at children's parties and in dance halls. The lyrics and movements of the dance inspired laughter and enjoyment, providing a lighthearted and interactive experience for participants. 'The Hokey Pokey' song continues to be a beloved and nostalgic piece of music to this day.

Present

Continued popularity

Today, the term 'hokey pokey' is still used to refer to the frozen treat and the playful dance. It has become a part of popular culture, representing joy, nostalgia, and community. The history of 'hokey pokey' showcases its ability to transcend time and place, remaining a beloved term and dance that brings people together, evoking smiles and laughter.

1940s

Hokey Pokey Song

During the 1940s, the 'Hokey Pokey' song became widely known in the United States. It was a parody of the traditional British song 'Hokey Pokey' with different lyrics. The song taught children body parts and encouraged them to dance and have fun. It gained immense popularity and is now a staple in many children's parties and events.

1990

Hokey Pokey as a Children's Nursery Rhyme

Over time, 'hokey pokey' also became a popular children's nursery rhyme. It is sung during circle time or at children's parties, where kids joyfully imitate the dance moves associated with the song. The simple and playful nature of the 'hokey pokey' rhyme makes it a favorite among young children worldwide.

2006

Record-Breaking Hokey Pokey

On July 16, 2006, New Zealand broke the world record for the largest 'hokey pokey' dance. Over 6,000 people gathered in Wellington to participate in the event, surpassing the previous record set in Scotland. The mass performance of the 'hokey pokey' highlighted its enduring appeal and showed how a simple dance could bring people together in a joyous celebration.

1950s

Ice Cream Treat Rebirth

In the 1950s, an ice cream treat with the same name as the popular dance and song, 'hokey pokey,' was introduced. It consisted of a vanilla ice cream base with small chunks of honeycomb toffee mixed in. This new form of hokey pokey became a favorite among ice cream lovers in countries like New Zealand and Australia.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Hokey Pokey was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2012? Clearly, this dance has left a lasting impression on both young and old alike!