An artist from China performed a hula hoops dance at one of the shopping complexes ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Penang, Malaysia. 07/02/2010.
The Hula Hoop is a toy hoop, usually made of plastic, that is twirled around the waist, limbs, or neck.
Although the exact origins of hula hoops are unknown, children around the world have played with hoops, twirling, rolling and throwing them throughout history.
Traditional materials for hoops include grapevines and stiff grasses. In Egypt around 3,000 years ago, hoops made out of grape vines were propelled around the ground with sticks.
In the 14th century, “hooping” was popular in England and medics blamed it for heart attacks and back dislocations.
The word “hula” was added in the early 18th century as sailors who visited Hawaii noticed the similarity between hula dancing and hooping.
