National Yo-Yo Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Feb 10, 2022
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit
National Yo-Yo day fact: yo-yo's were rediscovered at a toy in the '90s that children still own and play with today.

Where is National Yo-Yo Day celebrated?

 National Yo-Yo Day is celebrated in the United States of America.

Who is National Yo-Yo Day celebrated by?

This day is celebrated by the people living in the United States, especially by kids.

When did National Yo-Yo Day first start?

 National Yo-Yo Day was initiated in 1990.

Who started National Yo-Yo Day?

 This day was started by a man named Daniel Volk.

History And Timeline

Yo-yo's were discovered in 500 B.C. in Ancient Greece, which was observed from a Greek vase painting with a boy playing with a yo-yo toy.

But the modern-day yo-yos likely came into existence from the Philippines. In 1860, the word 'yo-yo' was first mentioned in the Filipino dictionary.

Later in 1928, a Filipino roots man named Pedro Flores started manufacturing yo-yos in Santa Barbara, California, a western state in the United States of America.

In 1930, Donald F. Duncan Sr bought the manufacturing unit off Pedro Flores, hired him, and initiated mass production of yo-yo toys, which were a hit. To honor the discovery and the person who made it available to the people, National Yo-Yo Day is celebrated on Donald F. Duncan Sr's birthday.

World's First Yo-Yo

The first yo-yos were initially made of wood, metal, and painted disks with a stringed loop in Ancient Greece.

500 B.C.

The Second Oldest Toy

The yo-yo is believed to be the second oldest toy globally, and James L. Haven and Charles Hettrich patented it.

1866

The First Discovery Of yo-yo In The U.S.

Pedro Flores was the first person to let people know about yo-yo toys in the United States, and he established a manufacturing unit to produce the toys.

1928

The Mass Production Of Yo-Yo

Donald F. Duncan Sr hired Pedro Flores and bought his manufacturing unit. He later expanded it and made it available to the public using mass marketing.

1930

The First National Yo-Yo Day

Daniel Volk from Cleveland was the person who created National Yo-Yo Day on June 6, 1990.

June 6, 1990

Traditions And Customs

 On this day, people get to relive their childhood again by playing with their yo-yo toys, and every year people play with yo-yos to honor this mind-blowing discovery and celebrate Duncan Sr's birthday.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Yo-Yo Day

This day can be celebrated by honoring and remembering Duncan Sr on his birthday.

Children can be taught about the history of how yo-yo's were invited and its discovery in the United States.

Popular tricks like 'Walking the Dog' and 'Shooting the Moon' can be taught to people who don't know them.

People can visit the National Yo-Yo Museum in Chico.

Yo-yo competitions can be conducted among family and friends, and people can also research how the word yo-yo was relevant for this iconic toy.

Facts And Stats

  • In the National Yo-Yo Museum, the world's largest yo-yo weighs about 256 lbs (116.1 kg). People visit this museum on this day.
  • Jeffrey Hoffman carried the yo-yo into space aboard the shuttle Atlantis in 1992. People read such unique facts about yo-yo's on this day.
  • The man who started National Yo-Yo Day starred in 'The Yo-Yo Man Instructional Video' alongside Smother Brothers.

What day is National Yo-Y0 Day?

National Yo-Y0 Day is celebrated on Donald F. Duncan Sr's birthday for his discovery.

What are some requirements in order to celebrate National Yo-Y0 Day?

People who have yo-yos can celebrate this day.

What are some events related to National Yo-Y0 Day?

Yo-yo competitions and teaching people new tricks like 'Walking the Dog' are done today.

Why are kids so excited for National Yo-Y0 Day?

The Yo-yo is an iconic discovery of all time, and it is a favorite toy for kids as this toy can be played with parents and yo-yo toy tricks are amazing.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, June 05, 2020
  • Saturday, June 05, 2021
  • Sunday, June 05, 2022
  • Monday, June 05, 2023
  • Wednesday, June 05, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

Deepthi Reddy picture

Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha Dixit picture

Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

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