What Is a Hula Hoop?
The hula hoop is a large plastic ring with a rigid construction that is twirled around the waist or other parts of the body as a form of exercise or play. Hula hoops became a worldwide fad when they were first mass produced in the 1950s, and have remained a popular toy ever since. Early Hula Hoops Before being made out of plastic, and on a mass scale, hula hoops were used at various times in human history. Hoops made out of natural materials such as vines or flexible reeds were used as playthings, and molded wooden hoops were a favorite toy during the Victorian era. These hoops could be rolled with the aid of a stick to keep them moving for extended periods, or played with alone in the fashion of hula hoops. 1950s Craze In 1957, an Australian hula hoop made of plastic was introduced by toymaker Toltoys. The plastic hula hoop was more durable than previous versions made from natural materials and, since plastic was more readily available, could be produced in large numbers without inter
