National Jump for Jelly Beans Day is a whimsical holiday dedicated to celebrating and enjoying jelly beans by quite literally jumping for joy. This sweet celebration combines the love of candy with physical expression of happiness.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 31st annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Candy Celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #JumpForJellyBeans
- When was founded?: Unknown
- Who founded it?: Origins unclear
History of National Jump for Jelly Beans Day
The exact origins remain mysterious, but jelly beans themselves trace back to Turkish delight from the Middle East. They gained prominence in America during the Civil War when Boston candy maker William Schrafft encouraged sending them to soldiers. Their popularity soared when President Ronald Reagan declared them his favorite candy, even sending them to astronauts in space.
Timeline
- 1860s: Jelly beans sent to Civil War soldiers
- 1967: Introduction of multiple flavors (lemon, licorice, grape)
- 1976: Creation of Jelly Belly’s famous blueberry flavor
- 1983: Jelly beans sent to space by President Reagan
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 31 | Thursday |
| 2026 | July 31 | Friday |
| 2027 | July 31 | Saturday |
| 2028 | July 31 | Monday |
| 2029 | July 31 | Tuesday |
Observed
The day is celebrated by enjoying jelly beans, hosting tasting parties, creating jelly bean art, and organizing fun jumping activities.
Fun Facts About Jelly Beans
- Made using a French process called ‘panning’
- Takes several days to manufacture
- Americans consume billions annually
- Come in over 100 different flavors
- Associated with Easter due to their egg-like shape
Quiz
- Who made jelly beans famous in the White House?
- What Middle Eastern candy inspired jelly beans?
- How many jelly beans do Americans consume annually?
(Answers: 1. Ronald Reagan, 2. Turkish Delight, 3. Over 16 billion)
FAQs
Q: Why are jelly beans associated with Easter?
A: Due to their egg-like shape
Q: What was Reagan’s favorite jelly bean flavor?
A: Licorice
Importance of National Jump for Jelly Beans Day
This celebration encourages people to embrace joy, share treats with others, and appreciate simple pleasures in life while honoring a beloved American candy tradition.
Related
- National Jelly Bean Day (April 22)
- National Candy Day
- National Sweet Day
- World Chocolate Day
- National Gummy Bear Day