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Lollipop Day is a national holiday celebrated on July 20th every year in the United States. It is a day to honor the invention and popularity of one of the most beloved candies in the world: the lollipop.
The History of Lollipops
The origin of lollipops dates back to ancient times, when people used to dip fruits, nuts, or honey in sugar syrup and stick them on a stick for easy eating. The word "lollipop" comes from the Middle English word "lolly", which means "tongue" or "sweet", and "pop", which means "strike" or "slap".
The modern lollipop was invented in the late 19th century by George Smith, a candy maker from New Haven, Connecticut. He named his creation after a popular racehorse at the time, Lolly Pop. He patented his idea in 1908 and started mass-producing lollipops in various shapes, colors, and flavors.
Lollipops became a hit among children and adults alike, especially during the Great Depression, when they offered a cheap and cheerful treat. They also became popular among celebrities, such as Shirley Temple, who sang about them in her movies, and Frank Sinatra, who used them as a prop in his performances.
The Variety of Lollipops
Today, lollipops come in all sizes, shapes, and flavors imaginable. Some of the most common types are:
- Hard candy lollipops: These are the classic lollipops made of sugar, water, corn syrup, and flavoring. They can be round, oval, square, or any other shape. They can also have different designs or patterns on them, such as swirls, stripes, or dots.
- Chocolate lollipops: These are lollipops coated with chocolate or filled with chocolate ganache. They can be milk, dark, or white chocolate, and sometimes have nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings on them.
- Gummy lollipops: These are lollipops made of gelatin, sugar, and flavoring. They have a soft and chewy texture and can be shaped like animals, fruits, or other objects.
- Caramel lollipops: These are lollipops made of caramelized sugar and butter. They have a rich and creamy flavor and can be plain or mixed with nuts, chocolate, or other ingredients.
- Sour lollipops: These are lollipops that have a sour coating or filling. They are usually made of citric acid, malic acid, or tartaric acid. They can be sweet and sour or extremely sour.
- Novelty lollipops: These are lollipops that have unusual features or functions. For example, some lollipops can change color or flavor as you lick them. Some lollipops have toys or stickers inside them. Some lollipops can glow in the dark or make sounds.
How to Celebrate Lollipop Day
There are many ways to celebrate Lollipop Day and enjoy this sweet candy. Here are some ideas:
- Buy or make your favorite lollipops and share them with your friends and family.
- Visit a candy store or factory and learn how lollipops are made.
- Try different flavors and types of lollipops that you have never tried before.
- Make your own lollipops at home using simple ingredients and molds.
- Decorate your home or office with lollipop-themed items, such as balloons, banners, posters, or stickers.
- Play games or do crafts with lollipops, such as guessing the flavor, making sculptures, painting with them, or using them as musical instruments.
- Watch movies or listen to songs that feature lollipops.
- Donate lollipops to a local charity or hospital to brighten someone's day.
Lollipop Day is a fun and festive holiday that celebrates one of the most iconic candies in the world. Whether you prefer hard candy, chocolate, gummy, caramel, sour, or novelty lollipops, there is a lollipop for everyone. So grab a stick and enjoy this sweet celebration! 🍭
