20th July Lollipop Day

Lollipops usually consist of hardened sugar and corn syrup with added flavouring. They are mounted on a stick and intended for licking or sucking. Lollipops come in dozens of flavours, colours, and shapes.

Lollipops have been around in some form or another since forever. With the surplus of sugar in the 17th century, the English started the trend of preparing boiled sugar candy and, of course, they inserted sticks into the treats. 

In Northern England, the word for ‘tongue’ is ‘lolly’ and pop means ‘slap’ — so ‘lolly pop’ means ‘tongue slap.’ The term probably got popularised by street vendors in London. 

It is George Smith, owner of the confectionery company Bradley Smith Company, who is credited for creating the modern lollipop that we all enjoy today. He started making them in 1908 and trademarked the word ‘lollipop’ in 1931. 

While we don't have an equivalent national day here in Australia, it's as good a time as any to celebrate this delicious confection on a stick! And who knew there were this many picture books featuring lollipops.