June 6th is the day to “Walk the Dog”, “Go Around the World” , don’t forget to “Rock the Baby,” because it’s YO-YO DAY! The Yo-Yo is one of the most interesting inventions ever. It’s been around for hundreds, even thousands of years. It was a great toy then, and it still is a great toy, so why not have one day of the year when we can all spin-off some Yo-Yos.
The First Yo-Yo
The Yo-Yo’s origin is hard to factually prove. Many believe that the Yo-Yo originated in China as early as 500-1000 B.C. However, there is some evidence that it was first used in Greece even before this time. Here is a picture of a boy playing Yo-Yo in the time of 440 B.C.
Ancient Yo-Yo
Donald’s Dream
So June 6th is the birthday of Donald F. Duncan Sr. and National Yo-Yo Day is celebrated annually on Donald’s birthday. He is the man who made the “Duncan Yo-Yo” in the early 1900s. This Yo-Yo became a hot item in stores for everyone to buy and by the 1960s, the Yo-Yo became so popular, that people were making their careers out of playing with a Yo-Yo.
Donald Duncan playing with 2 Yo-Yo's
Year of the Yo-Yo
The Yo-Yo fad has died down since the 1960s and 70s. But back in 1962, Duncan’s Yo-Yos sponsored the very first Yo-Yo competition at the Disneyland Hotel in Los Angeles, California. There was a $5000 cash prize that was won by Pat Brown. After this competition, Yo-Yos became such a big hit with kids and teenagers, that Yo-Yo teams were being sponsored by companies like Coca-Cola to tour the country and show off their skills.
Yo-Yo for You
The Yo-Yo is still popular. It may not have as much celebrity status as it did when your mom and dad were in school, but there are still World Competitions with big cash prizes. So grab a Yo-Yo and let’s bring back the Yo!
Yo-Yo Tricks
Have Your Say
Are you a yo-yo fan? Do you know any tricks?
