hula hoop

 

  Thousands of years have passed since the first hula-hoop came into being. Unlike the modern version, which is made of plastic, the first hula-hoops were essentially made from the more earthy materials like wood, grass and vines. Bamboo and metal hula-hoops were also in vogue. The dried grapevines were twisted into circular hoops, which were swung around the waist, but some pulled the hoops along the ground with the help of a stick. In England both adults and kids were crazy about hooping and the result of enthusiastic hooping was in some cases a dislocated back or a heart attack.  The origin of the hula-hoop’s nomenclature is interesting. When some British sailors chose to visit the Hawaiian Islands in the nineteenth century, they discovered that the popular hula dancing of the island and the way the hoop was swung around the body was almost similar. The word “hula” in the Hawaiian language refers to dance.  Thus the hoop came to be known as hula-hoop.

An Australian company took advantage of the craze and began making hula-hoops out of wood. Not to be outdone a Californian manufacturer –Richard P. Knerr and Arthur K. Melvin manufactured a lighter version of the hoop using materials like plastic. They also made it in various colors. They managed to sell almost 20 million hoops. Wham-o as their company was called priced the hula-hoop at about $2 and made a fortune within six months. This was in the year 1958. Like any other fad, the craze died down in the sixties, but because fitness has now become a watchword, it is still used in many parts of the world.

The hula-hoop became so popular that many competitions were held. Basic criteria were set for the marathon records and the number of people who participated was amazing. The hula-hoop had to be continuously revolved in the area between the shoulders and the hips. This called for intense concentration and control of body and mind. The competitor had to ensure that the hoop did not go above the shoulders or below the hip and once the hoop had commenced spinning, the hand could not touch it. No breaks were allowed. Since hula hooping was known to trigger off heart attacks or dislocated backs, the competition was always held in the presence of the medical fraternity.   

The craze for hula hooping may not be as intense as it was in the 18th and nineteenth century, but one cannot deny the fascination that this simple sport has. It keeps the ugly bulges at bay and is also a simple form of positive entertainment. 

 

  

 

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