National Doenut Day

Young woman enjoying a delightful donut, wearing a cute apron, vintage kitchen setting with a whimsical wallpaper.. — National doenut day illustration

Get ready to treat yourself because it's National Donut Day! This is the one day of the year when it's perfectly acceptable to stuff your face with delicious donuts without any guilt. Whether you prefer the classic glazed donut, the mouthwatering chocolate frosted, or the heavenly cream-filled, today is all about celebrating these delectable treats. So sit back, relax, and let's indulge in the sweet history of National Donut Day!

When is Doenut Day?

It's national doenut day on the 7th June.

A Hole Lot of History

Believe it or not, National Donut Day has a fascinating history that dates back to World War I. Back in 1917, when the world was engulfed in war, the Salvation Army started a program to provide comfort and support to American soldiers. Known as the "Donut Lassies," these brave women would fry up donuts and hand them out to the troops stationed on the front lines. The donuts not only provided a little taste of home, but they also served as a symbol of hope and courage.

Fast forward to 1938, National Donut Day was officially established by The Salvation Army as a way to honor the Donut Lassies and the important role they played in boosting the morale of soldiers. Since then, it has become a beloved holiday that brings people together to celebrate these delightful pastries.

History behind the term 'Doenut'

1847

The birth of the doughnut

The term 'doughnut' has its origins in the early 19th century. The name comes from the shape of the treat itself, which resembles a nut or seed embedded in dough. 'Dough-nut' was the original spelling, with 'dough' referring to the ingredients used to make the treat, and 'nut' representing the shape. The term was first recorded in Washington Irving's 1809 book, 'A History of New York'. However, the concept of a fried dough confection has been around for centuries in various forms.

1847

The introduction of the term 'donut'

The term 'donut' is believed to have emerged as a shortened version of 'doughnut' in the mid-19th century. It is attributed to American writer and humorist Washington Irving. In his 1847 book, 'Knickerbocker's History of New York,' he used the term 'donut' to refer to a savory fried cake. The condensed spelling gained popularity due to its practicality and simplicity.

1929

The rise of the 'doughnut' spelling

While the term 'donut' gained popularity, the traditional spelling 'doughnut' continued to be widely used as well. However, during the late 1920s and early 1930s, shop signs and advertisements began showing the simplified spelling 'donut' as a marketing strategy to save space and attract customers with a shorter and catchier name. This change in spelling further popularized the term.

1950s

Mass production and cultural significance

The 1950s saw the rise of mass production in the doughnut industry, making this beloved treat more widely accessible. As commercial bakeries and donut chains emerged, the term 'donut' became firmly ingrained in popular culture. Its catchy and simplified spelling contributed to the term's continued usage and recognition.

Present day

The modern usage

In modern times, both 'doughnut' and 'donut' are considered acceptable spellings. However, 'donut' has become the more commonly used term in informal contexts such as advertising, while 'doughnut' is often preferred in more formal or traditional settings. Despite the spelling variations, the term 'donut' has become synonymous with fried dough treats enjoyed worldwide.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest donut ever made weighed a whopping 1.7 tons? That's equivalent to the weight of about 22 adult male giraffes! This colossal donut was created in Utica, New York, in 1993 to celebrate the city's annual Applefest. Talk about a sweet way to make a statement!