National Straw Day

Young person holding a colorful straw masterpiece, wearing vibrant clothes, surrounded by an artistic and lively atmosphere..
National straw day illustration

Ah, National Straw Day! It's the one special day of the year when we celebrate our favorite thin cylindrical object. No, not pencils or chopsticks—straws! Whether you use them to sip on a refreshing beverage or to impress your friends with your amazing straw-knitting skills, straws deserve their own day of recognition. So let's dive right into the fascinating world of straws!

When is Straw Day?

It's national straw day on the 12th September.


A Brief History of Straws

Straws have been around for centuries, believe it or not. The ancient Sumerians used straws made from gold to drink beer (wow, talk about fancy!). Fast forward to the 19th century when Marvin Stone, a gentleman with a love for sipping mint juleps, invented the modern-day paper straw. From then on, straws became a popular and convenient way to enjoy beverages without the risk of ice-cube-related incidents.

Nowadays, we have a wide array of straws to choose from. There are bendy straws, striped straws, reusable metal straws, and even edible straws made from pasta! You can use them to upgrade your favorite milkshake, add a touch of class to your cocktail, or just enjoy a refreshing sip of water on a warm summer day.

Straws in Popular Culture

Straws have become iconic in movies, music, and even literature. Who could forget that memorable scene in "Grease" when Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson shared a milkshake through a straw? Or the catchy tune that made us all want to dance, "Do the Straw Twist"? Oh, and let's not forget about that best-selling novel, "Straw and Sensibility," a romantic tale of love and sipping.

So, whether you're a straw enthusiast or just looking for an excuse to drink through a little tube, National Straw Day is the perfect occasion to embrace your inner straw aficionado. Grab your favorite straw and raise it high with pride!



History behind the term 'Straw'


Prehistoric Times

Early Beginnings

Straws, made from various plant materials such as hollowed-out grass stems, have been used by humans for thousands of years. In prehistoric times, people used straws as drinking aids to avoid ingesting dirt or insects from natural water sources. These early straws were simple and disposable, discarded after use.


9600 BCE

Early Discoveries

Archaeologists have found evidence of early humans using wild grass straws to drink liquids around 9600 BCE. This marks the beginning of straw usage, as these primitive straws were simple, hollow grass stems.


3000 BCE

Metallic Straws in Mesopotamia

Around 3000 BCE, the Mesopotamians, located in present-day Iraq, crafted straws from gold and other precious metals. These ornate and valuable straws were often found in the tombs of wealthy individuals. It's believed that these straws had both practical and symbolic purposes, displaying status and wealth in addition to their functionality.



3000 BCE

Reed Straws

Around 3000 BCE, people in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt started using reeds as straws. These reed straws were more durable and effective than the original grass straws. They were commonly used for drinking beer and other beverages.


19th Century

The Birth of the Modern Straw

The modern straw, as we know it today, originated in the 19th century. In 1888, Marvin Stone, an American inventor, patented the first paper straw. Stone introduced the concept of winding a strip of paper and coating it with wax to make it more durable. This invention marked a significant shift from using natural materials to using manufactured alternatives.


1888

Paper Straws

In 1888, Marvin C. Stone invented the first paper straw. Stone was inspired to create a better alternative to the reed straws, which would often impart a grassy taste to drinks. His paper straws were wrapped in wax to make them resistant to liquids and more hygienic.



1960s

Disposable Plastic Straws

The 1960s saw the rise of disposable plastic straws, revolutionizing the way people consumed beverages. Plastic straws offered convenience and affordability, quickly becoming a popular choice in restaurants, fast-food chains, and homes around the world.


20th Century

Plastic Takes Over

In the early 20th century, plastic straws gained popularity due to their affordability, mass production capabilities, and durability. The use of plastic straws became widespread in the 1960s, coinciding with the rise of fast-food restaurants and the convenience culture. It was during this time that plastic straws became the default choice in many food and beverage establishments.


21st Century

Growing Environmental Concerns

In recent years, the environmental impact of plastic straws has come under scrutiny. Due to their low recyclability and contribution to plastic pollution, efforts have been made to find more sustainable alternatives. This has led to a significant push towards reusable or biodegradable straws, such as those made from bamboo, metal, or edible materials like pasta or seaweed.



Late 20th Century - Present

Environmental Concerns and Alternatives

In recent decades, concerns about the environmental impact of plastic straws have grown. The non-biodegradable nature of plastic and its contribution to pollution and harm to marine life have led to increased efforts to reduce straw usage. This has prompted the emergence of eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable metal, glass, or bamboo straws.


Did you know?

Did you know that the world's longest straw measured a staggering 459 meters? It was created by a group of brave straw enthusiasts who were determined to see just how far their sips could travel. They even set up a mini carnival along the way, complete with cotton candy and a fortune-telling booth. Talk about making a splash in the world of straws!

Tagged

romance food fun

First identified

12th September 2015

Most mentioned on

12th September 2015

Total mentions

64

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