January 19th could be the most popping holiday of the year. The somewhat salty holiday have a-maize-d many with its existence. National Popcorn Day is a relatively unknown holiday, but no one can resist popcorn’s appeal.

“Popcorn is the greatest gift to mankind,” exclaimed Alex Clark, SGA President.

Popcorn at its essence has been around for many centuries. Since the 16th century the Aztec Indians have been integrating popcorn into their culture. There are accounts of popcorn being used in precious rituals. Many Aztecs would use popcorn for necklaces and headdresses during sacred dances. Popcorn has come a long way from the sixteenth century, but it has not always been the beloved snack food we think of today. In the late nineteenth popcorn was a commonly eaten breakfast food; in fact it set the stage for today’s interpretation of cereal. “It makes sense. Corn is a staple food in America and popcorn is one of the best for us,” retorted junior Keona Banks. From breakfast cereal to the microwave popcorn has made many leaps and bounds since its development. “I normally eat popcorn three to four times a week,” confessed Mrs. Parks. Today, Americans consume 14 billion quarts of this popcorn each year.

Of course, the main way to celebrate National Popcorn Day is by eating popcorn! Many people take the time to go to the movies and buy popcorn since it’s only half price. Some people choose to just stay home and celebrate it by inviting a few friends over to just talk, drink coffee, and eat popcorn.

There are many fun activities you can do for Popcorn Day to help you celebrate Popcorn Day! Stringing popcorn is a very popular activity. People even do it during Christmas as a decoration to put on their Christmas Tree. Stringing popcorn is a fun and easy thing to do – all you need is a sewing needle, a string, and of course, some popcorn. Taking the string, you connect it to the needle and use the needle to help sow the string through the popcorn, creating a line deliciousness! Another fun activity you can do popcorn air hockey. Using your hands, you try to avoid letting the popcorn touch the table. Whoever lets the popcorn touch the table, loses!

Despite many people being unknowledgeable about National Popcorn day, it’s still a favorable holiday. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the number of festivities associated with popcorn. From the field to the microwave this snack is a beloved treat by millions of Americans. To end the celebration of this national holiday, here’s a couple of corny jokes to butter you up:

Did you hear about the popcorn that joined the army?

~They made him Kernel.

What did the popcorn say when he was complimented?

~ Aww, shucks!

What is corn’s favorite drink?

~Soda pop.