Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. The other day my grandson – the cutest toddler in the world (or at least in MY world) was over visiting and I took him outside for one of his favorite activities, blowing soap bubbles. I remember my kids playing with these when they were little and even playing with these myself when I was a kid. And it got me to wondering – just how long have these been around and could some of the kids in my historical novels have played with them.
So of course I decided to do a little research and wanted to share some of it with you.
I was surprised to learn bubble blowing goes back a LOT further than I’d realized. In fact it’s been around for centuries. Here’s a quick overview of the history.
- The earliest evidence of bubble toys dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who enjoyed blowing bubbles using hollow reeds and soap made from animal fats. The ancient Greeks and Romans also entertained themselves with the art of bubble making, using clay pipes or glass tubes to blow bubbles. These early versions were often reserved for special celebrations and rituals, emphasizing the novelty and magic associated with bubbles.
- During medieval times, bubble blowing fell into obscurity. But with the onset of the Renaissance period, interest in science and entertainment resurfaced. Artists and inventors began to experiment with new materials and designs, leading to the development of glass bubble pipes. These pipes were crafted with intricate shapes and designs, and bubble solutions were refined by adding substances such as water, soap, and glycerin, to enhance the quality and longevity of the bubbles.
- The 18th and 19th centuries brought about a number of advancements in manufacturing techniques. As a result, bubble blowers became easier to come by and to use. In the late 18th century, the first mass-produced bubble solutions appeared on the market, allowing people to create bubbles effortlessly. In addition, the advent of mechanization allowed simple bubble-blowing devices to be produced. These devices often featured a looped wire or a hollow tube attached to a handle, providing a convenient way to blow bubbles with very little effort.
- In the 20th century, bubble blowers transitioned from homemade toys to mass-produced commercial products. Manufacturers introduced a wide range of bubble blowers in various shapes and sizes, capturing the attention of children worldwide. The popularity of bubble blowing surged during this period, and bubble solution formulations were refined further to create larger, longer-lasting bubbles. And advancements in plastic manufacturing led to the creation of plastic bubble wands and machines, providing hours of endless fun for kids and adults alike
And here are a few fun facts:
- Soap bubbles are made up of a thin layer of soapy water surrounding a pocket of air.
- The round shape of bubbles is due to the natural tendency of liquids to minimize surface area, making a sphere the most efficient shape. This is why it’s impossible to blow a square bubble.
- The world record for the largest free-floating soap bubble was set in 2019, measuring a mind-boggling 167+ feet long!
- Bubbles can come in different colors when light reflects off their surfaces. This effect, known as iridescence, is caused by the interference of light waves.
- The lifespan of a bubble depends on various factors, including humidity, temperature, and the quality of the bubble solution. On average, bubbles last for a few seconds to a few minutes.
- Did you know that bubbles can freeze? In extremely cold temperatures, bubbles can turn into delicate, frozen orbs before eventually bursting.
- Bubbles can be found in nature too! For example, some insects, like the froghopper, create bubbles as a form of protection or to help them float on water.
- The first soap bubble toy patent was granted to John Roberton in 1886. This invention paved the way for the mass production and commercialization of bubble toys.
- Bubble solution recipes can be made at home using ingredients such as dish soap, water, and glycerin. Experimenting with different recipes can result in varying bubble sizes and durability.
- You can create bubble sculptures by using a straw or a bubble wand to blow bubbles onto a surface. With practice, you can make towers, walls, or even intricate bubble structures.
- So called “everlasting bubbles” have been created by French physicists. They used plastic particles, glycerol and water and the longest one of these survived for is an astounding 465 days!
So what about you? Do you have any memories tied to blowing bubbles? Did any of the above surprise you? Leave a comment to be entered in a giveaway for a book from my backlist.
Fascinating.
I remember loving bubbles as a kid and had a favorite pipe for blowing them it was white and the bowl was red. Would not be appropriate nowadays.
My boys loved bubbles and I always had them in supply.
Yes, keeping a supply on hand is a must, especially since it’s one of the few inexpensive items still available for some innocent childhood fun.
I don’t remember blowing bubbles as a child, but I do remember being a mother and my own kids blowing bubbles! Now my grandkids blow soap bubbles & we have fun chasing & popping them after blowing them. Sometimes I blow so many that I get lightheaded!
LOL, yes the chasing and popping is my grandson’s favorite part as well!
Neat history! Now I have, “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles,” playing in my head. I remember blowing bubbles when I was little and having the Kansas wind carry some off into the sky and sometime very high.
Oh, what a nice poetic way to describe it!
I did enjoy blowing bubbles as a kid, and I didn’t know they were used so early in history. I found it very interesting.
Yes it surpried me too how far back it went
I enjoyed reading your interesting post. I remember blowing bubbles as a kid. I don’t have children, but my nephew and niece used to do that as well.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the post
I loved blowing bubbles as a kid. We use to go to the 5 and dime store and get a bottle of bubble stuff as we called it. My son when he was little had a lawn mower that you put bubbles in and it would blow bubbles as he pushed it across the yard.
The phrase 5 & dime certainly brings me back 🙂
And my grandson has one of those bubble mowers too
I’ve always loved bubbles! I used to use bubbles with my nieces and nephews, and also with preschoolers when I volunteered at church with them. I’ve also had friends that had their guests blow bubbles instead of throwing rice or birdseed! I’m surprised how far back it goes! Who knew you could blow a bubble that long, too!!
I’ve been to wedding receptions where they blew bubbles instead of tossing rice as well. Always thought that was so pretty
my grands love to do this on a windy day instead of kite flying – just hold the wand up and the wind produces the bubbles – the dogs love to chase them!
Oh how fun!
What an interesting history on this! Thank you for the research! My brothers and I enjoyed blowing the bubbles too as children. And you are right! There is nothing more fun than watching my grandson as a toddler loving them! We got a bubble blower, turned it on and he had a blast! I still have bubbles handed! And my grandson is 9! Nothing like playing bubbles and then ending it with water gun fights!
Thanks for this post! I enjoyed it and will share with my grandson!
You’re quite welcome and it makes me so happy to hear you’re going to share it with your grandson 🙂
I was a preschool teacher, we always in nice weather would have our children play in bubbles.
And I’m sure your students had fun!
wow this was such a fun post. most of these I didnt know. I have fond memories of mom and us kids blowing bubbles. Of our kids blowing bubbles. Of our dog chasing bubbles. Of family together blowing bubbles
Isn’t it fun how something so simple can inspire such fond memories
Thanks for all the information on bubbles. Brought back memories of washing dishes with my sister and blowing bubbles to see who could make the biggest.
You’re quite welcome! And my sister and I used to do the same thing!
I enjoyed blowing bubbles as a kid and with my kids and now with my grandkids. It is one of their favorite things to do. I have also done it at weddings too.
I think it’s a universal thing for kids around the world
Thank you for the history of bubbles. It was very interesting. I remember my sister and I blowing bubbles as kids. My grandchildren loved them when they were younger.
You’re quite welcome! Glad you enjoyed the post.
I was surprised to learn some of the facts about bubbles. Like how long the biggest free floating bubble was. Wow. I always enjoyed blowing bubbles when I was a kid.
Yep – I found that one very eye-opening as well 🙂
Wow, this is so very interesting, I really enjoyed this little lesson, I had no idea bubbles dated that far back! When I was young I loved making bubbles, so when I had my 2 children I would always get them bubbles so that they could have fun, and of course, I made some bubbles my self. I have also enjoyed getting and making bubbles with my 3 grandchildren. Bubbles are so much fun for any age. Thank you so very much for sharing this information on bubbles. Have a great day and a great week.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your memories!
I was surprised how early records show bubble making was a thing. At first I thought the absence of bubble making during medieval times was odd. On further thought, things weren’t really very much fun then, so no bubble making (officially) is no surprise.
Most of the fun bubble times were with our children. Making giant bubbles with a long rod and strap and seeing how long they would last was a thing back when our son was little. Some got big enough to hold our dog. I can remember times when the kids would blow lots of (regular) bubbles and our dogs would chase and try to catch them. – the bubbles not the kids. I bought a small bubble machine to use during parties and other children centered events.
What fun memories to have!
everlasting bubbles are interesting
yes they are 🙂
I was surprised at how far back in history bubble blowing was known. Today’s kids miss out on the fun of bubble blowing contests while sharing the chore of washing dishes unless they don’t have a dishwasher. Of course our mom wasn’t always happy with the mess that ended up on the floor.
I, too, have been to weddings where each guest was given a small bottle of bubbles rather than rice or bird seed. The bubbles are pretty and leave less litter.
Yes, that was one of the most surprising things to me as well
I loved blowing bubbles as a child. For my wedding reception, each guest was given bubbles to blow as we leave the reception and head to our honeymoon vehicle.
Love it!
I have so many swell memories of blowing bubbles throughout my whole life… and I’m 72 now. They were so much fun. My grandma taught me how to make “hand bubbles” by creating a circle with my hands and blowing gently through the soap that stretched across the circle. It was so cool. I have since amused both my daughter and granddaughter, and miscellaneous friends with this. I sent away for little bubble duckies for Easter when I was in Iraq. It made for a lovely respite from the daily grind.