National Peep Day

A group of diverse individuals, wearing colorful and trendy clothing, laughing and holding brightly decorated marshmallow treats on a sunny park picnic.. — National peep day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful and wacky world of National Peep Day! Get ready to celebrate these squishy and sugary marshmallow treats like never before. Whether you're a Peep enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this article will give you all the information you need to join in the festivities.

When is Peep Day?

It's national peep day on the 6th April.

A Brief History of Peeps

Peeps, those little marshmallow creatures that come in all sorts of shapes and colors, have been bringing joy to sweet tooth enthusiasts since the 1950s. Originally introduced as yellow chicks for Easter, these delightful confections quickly gained popularity and expanded their kingdom to include bunnies, hearts, and even ghosts for Halloween. Their iconic sugary exterior and fluffy interior have made them a staple of Easter baskets and an irresistible treat for both kids and adults alike.

Digital Peep Mania

While National Peep Day is celebrated offline with the consumption of these sugary treats, the internet has also played a significant role in spreading the Peep love. Social media platforms are flooded with adorable pictures of Peeps in funny scenarios or crafted into intricate dioramas. People have even started challenging their creativity by using Peeps as art supplies, creating everything from Peep sculptures to Peep mosaics. It seems like anything is possible when Peeps are involved!

Join the Peep Party

So, how can you celebrate National Peep Day? Well, the possibilities are endless! You can start by indulging in a few Peeps of your own. Try eating them straight from the package, or get creative in the kitchen by incorporating Peeps into your favorite dessert recipes. If you're feeling extra festive, you can organize a Peep-themed party with your loved ones, complete with Peep decorations, games, and even a Peep taste-testing competition. The more Peep-obsessed, the merrier!

History behind the term 'Peep'

1600s

Early usage in England

The term 'peep' originated in the 1600s in England. It was initially used as a verb, meaning to peek or take a quick look at something or someone. The word gradually gained popularity and was commonly used in conversation and literature during this time.

1800s

Evolution into a noun

By the 1800s, 'peep' had transitioned from being a verb to becoming a noun. It started to refer to a quick or furtive glance, often accompanied by a slight sound. This new usage was influenced by the similarity between the sound 'peep' and the action of quietly looking or observing something.

1950s

Marshmallow chicks popularize 'peep'

In the 1950s, the word 'peep' gained a new association with marshmallow chicks. Just Born, a candy company based in the United States, introduced a popular line of marshmallow chicks called 'Peeps.' These cute and colorful treats became an iconic Easter confection, and the term 'peep' became synonymous with these tasty marshmallow treats.

1980s

Usage in popular culture

During the 1980s, the term 'peep' gained further recognition in popular culture. Hip-hop artists, particularly from the East Coast, started using 'peep' as slang to mean to watch, observe, or pay attention to something or someone. This usage spread through the music scene and eventually entered mainstream slang, particularly in urban communities.

Present

Modern usage on social media

In the present day, 'peep' is commonly used as a noun or verb in colloquial language. It has also found a place in social media culture, where 'peep' often refers to checking or keeping an eye on someone's online content, such as posts or stories, usually on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat. It has become a casual way of staying updated on others' activities in the online world.

Did you know?

Did you know that in 2003, scientists at Emory University conducted an experiment known as the 'Peeps Experiment'? They wanted to explore the effects of heat on Peeps, so they microwaved the little marshmallow creatures to see what would happen. The result? Peeps that expanded to more than five times their original size, turning into sugary, gooey monsters!