Who Invented the Hula Hoop?
A Hula Hoop, sometimes spelled Hoola Hoop, is the brand name of a plastic toy that has enjoyed popularity since the 1950s. Hula Hoops are currently offered in a variety of colors, and sizes range in diameter from about 20 inches to around 3 feet. Two American toy makers are credited with "inventing" the Hula Hoop.
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Hula Hoop Inventors
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The Hula Hoop was invented by Arthur "Spud" Melin and Richard Knerr, who were also the founders of the American toy company, Wham-O.
Hula Hoop Inspiration
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Melin and Knerr were inspired by an Australian gentleman who told them how much children in his country enjoyed twirling bamboo hoops around their waists. The inventors understood how such an activity would appeal to schoolkids, and decided to make their toy hoops out of a light-weight plastic.
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Hula Hoop Fad
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The Hula Hoop fad lasted from about January to October of 1958, and over 100 million Hula Hoops were sold during that time.
Hula Hoops in Other Cultures
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Hula Hoops were banned in both Indonesia and Japan, because shaking and rotating one's hips in public was deemed socially unacceptable.
Hula Hoops Today
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Modern hoopers use Hula Hoops in a variety of workout routines designed to tone buttocks and firm thighs.
Fun Fact
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The name "Hula Hoop" was inspired by the hip movements of Hawaiian hula dancers.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons photo by Steve Rhodes
