NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY – September 30, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
National Chewing Gum Day is celebrated on September 30 every year. The gummy texture, the translucent bubble, the satisfying pop! These are just a few of the reasons why people all over the world love chewing gum. Whether you call it bubble gum, chewing gum, or chicle, there’s nothing quite as fun as munching on a piece of gum.
History of National Chewing Gum Day
Most people don’t realize that chewing gum is not a new invention. In fact, the history of chewing gum goes back thousands of years, whether just for enjoyment, for keeping hunger at bay, or simply to enjoy the taste of fresh breath. This was often made in the form of boiled resin or wax, sometimes mixed with mint.
The first chewing gum to be developed commercially in the 1840s was called “The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum”. In 1870, the Adams New York Chewing Gum Company sold gum in the flavor of sour orange as an after-dinner treat. While this one didn’t maintain popularity, the following year Adams created Black Jack, which is a licorice flavored gum that has continued to be manufactured off and on for more than 100 years.
Wrigley’s gum wasn’t far behind, in 1891. Wrigley’s started out as a soap and baking soda company, but they started giving out free packs of gum with every purchase. In an unexpected turn of events, the gum was more popular than the products so they began selling the gum on its own.
In 1928, Walter Diemer created a gum that was less sticky than others and worked very well for blowing bubbles. After some trials and tests, this gum was dyed pale pink and eventually became known as Dubble Bubble.
Advertising as a substitute for mouthwash or brushing the teeth, Dentyne was introduced in the mid-1950s. Then, chewing gum made another important step in its life when the first fully sugar free, tasty chewing gum was introduced in 1964, when it quickly became a household favorite.
Now, National Chewing Gum Day is celebrated in honor of this delightful treat that keeps mouths delightfully busy and fresh!
NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY TIMELINE
1848
Commercial Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is commercially produced and sold for the first time by John B. Curtis.
1871
Chewing Gum Machine
Thomas Adams patents the first machine for making chewing gum.
1939–1945
Chewy Rations
Chewing gum is given to World War II soldiers as part of their rations.
1969
Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum hits the market.
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5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT CHEWING GUM
Good for focus, memory, and stress relief
Studies prove that chewing gum helps to reduce stress, increase alertness, and improve memory.
Improves oral health
Chewing sugar-free gum has positive impacts on oral health.
It keeps you from crying!
Chewing gum while cutting onions can prevent your eyes from watering.
Gum in hair
If you ever get gum stuck in your hair, try using peanut butter to get it out.
Pink bubble gum
Originally, the only available color for chewing gum was pink!
How to Celebrate National Chewing Gum Day
Enjoy the fun and celebration of National Chewing Gum Day with some of these ideas:
Grab and Share Some Chewing Gum
This is certainly the right time to chew gum – all day long. Grab a favorite flavor of gum at the local grocery or convenience store and then get started chewing! And since celebrations are more fun with others, be sure to buy some extra packs of gum to pass around the office, hand out to friends or offer a piece to a family member. After all, it’s National Chewing Gum Day!
