History of the Hula Hoop

History

• Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Native Americans all had versions of the Hula Hoop that they used for entertainment, target practice and exercise. The modern day Hula Hoop was mass marketed and exported to America from Australia in the late 1950s by the Wham-O corporation. The peak of the Hula Hoop's popularity was in the 1960s and 70s, though it remains of popular culture in many countries today.

Famous Ties

• The sale of the 100 millionth Hula Hoop was mentioned in the lyrics of pianist Billy Joel's famous song, "We Didn't Start the Fire."

Types

• Hula Hoops have been made out of grape vines, bamboo, wood and most recently plastic. The plastic version is the most popular version of the Hula Hoop and is still in production today.

Time Frame

• Hula Hoops have been traced back to 3000 B.C. Egypt, where they were made out of grape vines and pushed around with sticks. The modern plastic Hula Hoop began production in Australia in 1957.

Size

• Children's Hula Hoops are normally 28 inches in diameter, while the adult version is 40 inches in diameter.

Benefits

• The Hula Hoop is an enjoyable toy that can be used by all age groups. Because Hula Hooping is a physical activity, it provides entertainment and exercise for participants of all ages.

Fun Fact

• The record for consecutive Hula Hooping is 11 hours 34 minutes, while the record for simultaneous spinning of Hula Hoops is 105 hoops at one time.