National Lollipop Day

National Lollipop Day, observed on July 20th, celebrates the classic hard candy mounted on a stick, one of the most enduringly popular and recognizable candy formats worldwide. Candy on a stick has ancient precedents, with various cultures throughout history creating early stick-mounted sweets, but the specific term "lollipop" and the modern commercial candy format are generally credited to American confectioner George Smith, who trademarked the name in 1931, reportedly inspired by a popular racehorse of the era named Lolly Pop, though the exact naming story has several competing variations among candy historians. The lollipop's stick-mounted design offers practical advantages over other hard candy formats, allowing for extended enjoyment without the need to handle a sticky candy directly, making it especially popular among children and a common treat given by doctors and dentists to young patients following visits. Commercial lollipop manufacturing expanded significantly through the 20th century, with brands like Tootsie Pop and Chupa Chups, the latter founded in Spain in 1958 and notable for commissioning artist Salvador Dali to design its now-iconic daisy logo, becoming globally recognized brands. Modern lollipop varieties extend well beyond simple hard candy, including gourmet artisanal versions, sour and unusual flavor combinations, and even novelty lollipops featuring unconventional ingredients marketed toward adventurous adult consumers.