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Use chewing gum to reduce stress, lose weight, or just enjoy the flavor in your mouth on National Chewing Gum Day!

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!

Learn Some Fun Facts About Chewing Gum

In celebration of National Chewing Gum Day, here are some delightful bits of trivia that can be shared:

  • Chewing gum helps to improve concentration. It can also promote the development of long-term as well as working memory.

  • The country of Singapore has repeatedly tried to ban the use of chewing gum, with fines up to $6000 for its use.

  • The first name for chewing gum that made bubbles was Blibber Blubber, but it eventually became the well known Dubble Bubble.

  • People who chew gum while they are cutting and dicing onions may find that they are less likely to have tears or start crying.

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 FAQs

What are some ancient cultural practices that resemble modern chewing gum?

Ancient Greeks chewed mastic gum from the mastic tree, while Mayans used chicle, a natural latex from sapodilla trees.

Native Americans chewed spruce resin. These practices often served medicinal or cleaning purposes, not just recreation. Mastic gum remains popular in the Middle East for its health benefits.

These traditions highlight how chewing gum has evolved from functional uses to a global pastime.

How did chewing gum become a commercial product in the 19th century?

John B. Curtis created the first commercial chewing gum in 1848, called “State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum.”

Later, Thomas Adams popularized chicle-based gum after failed experiments with rubber. Wrigley’s Doublemint and Juicy Fruit gums revolutionized the industry in the 1890s.

These innovations turned gum from a niche product into a global phenomenon.

Are there any unique chewing gum traditions in Asia?

In Japan, “gum etiquette” is strict; chewing loudly is considered rude. Bubble gum is often flavored with unique tastes like matcha or lychee.

In South Korea, gum is sometimes used as a gift or token of friendship. These cultural nuances show how gum adapts to local customs.

What are some bizarre chewing gum flavors that have been created?

Unusual gum flavors include bacon, wasabi, pickle, and even champagne.

In 2015, a Swedish brand released a “surströmming” gum, mimicking the infamous fermented fish. These quirky flavors often serve as novelty items or marketing stunts, pushing the boundaries of traditional gum.

What role did chewing gum play during World War II?

Chewing gum was included in soldiers’ rations to relieve stress and improve focus.

Wrigley’s even produced special military packs. Gum also served as a bartering item between soldiers and civilians. Its popularity soared post-war, as soldiers brought the habit home.

Are there any myths about the health effects of chewing gum?

Some believe gum stays in your stomach for seven years if swallowed, but this is false.

Gum passes through the digestive system like other foods. However, excessive gum chewing can cause jaw issues. Sugar-free gum can improve dental health by stimulating saliva production.

How do people celebrate National Chewing Gum Day in creative ways?

Some host bubble-blowing contests or create art with chewed gum. Others explore gum history by trying vintage flavors or making DIY gum.

Schools sometimes use the day to teach about gum’s cultural and scientific significance. These activities make the holiday interactive and educational.

What is the environmental impact of chewing gum?

Most gum is made from synthetic rubber, which doesn’t biodegrade. Discarded gum creates litter and cleanup costs. Some companies now produce biodegradable gum using natural chicle.

Efforts to recycle gum into products like shoes or tires are also gaining traction.

What are some famous chewing gum-related world records?

The largest bubble ever blown was 23 inches in diameter by Chad Fell in 2004. The longest gum wrapper chain measured over 90,000 feet. These records highlight the playful side of gum culture and its enduring appeal.

How has chewing gum influenced pop culture?

Gum has appeared in iconic moments, like Violet Beauregarde turning into a blueberry in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Bubblegum pop music in the 1990s also drew its name from the sweet, catchy nature of gum. These references cement gum’s place in entertainment history.

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