for more on this day!

Think back to days (possibly dating back to prehistoric man) when one used a stick to poke a beehive for the honey; then, the honey was scraped off the stick to be eaten later. Of course, the honey could be licked right off the stick possibly marking the beginning for what we know today as the lollipop.

July 20 is...

National Lollipop Day

Whoa! Not too quick for more on that 'honey on a stick"...you need some music to set the stage for the foodie fun of this day. Let's begin the celebration with a step back in time to The Chordettes, one of the longest-lived vocal groups with roots in the mainstream pop and vocal harmonies of the 40s and early 50s.

The Chordettes were a female vocal group from Sheboygan, Wisconsin who formed in 1946 by Jinny Lockard and three of her college friends. They became regulars on Arthur Godfrey's television show for 4 years in 1949, singing a cappella in the barbershop style. They first established themselves with "Mr. Sandman" in 1954 which stayed at No.1 for 7 weeks.

A Bit of Lollipop Candy History...

Candy confections go as far back as ancient times - Arabs, Chinese and Egyptians, who made fruit and nut confections with honey that always brought on a smile. These would lend themselves to being eaten from sticks owing to the stickiness of the concoction. However, the lollipop as we know it today possibly dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe. During that time, sugar was boiled and formed onto sticks. Such treats were enjoyed by the wealthy since they were the only ones who could afford sugar.

By the 17th century when sugar was again plentiful and affordable, boiled sugar (hard candy) treats were available, especially in England. The word "lollipop" (originally spelled lollypop) first appears in print in 1784, roughly coinciding with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. During the Civil War, it is believed that little pieces of hard candy were put on the ends of pencils for children to nibble. The merchandizing of lollipops came about in the latter part of the 18th century. Horehound drops, lemon drops, peppermints and wintergreen lozenges became everyday candies.

Far beyond the Charms Blow Pops, Chupa Chups, Dum Dums, Tootsie Pops and more of childhood, today's lollipops come in all shapes and sizes, from hand-crafted works of sugar art to spicy pops, caffeinated Java Pops, bacon lollipops and crispy critters molded in the hardened candy. Click each link!