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.