When you went searching for a winter hat to handle the freezing temperatures of winter, you may have opted for one with a cute little furry pom-pom that sits on the top. While this is a fashion trend for those living in cold temperatures, the trend actually originates back to sub-zero Scandinavia where people have been rocking this look year-round since the age of the Vikings! The first sign of the pom-pom was on the Viking god Freyr. A statuette of Freyr was found in which he was shown wearing a hat or helmet with a pom-pom on top of it.
The word pom-pom dates back to the 18th century. It comes from the French word ‘pompon’, which is a small ball made from fabric or feathers. The pom-pom was ideal for heavier larger trinkets that soldiers in those times had been using. Instead, the pom-pom could be made inexpensively from scraps of yarn. People everywhere fell in love with the fluffiness and color of the pom-pom, and just like that, it has stuck throughout centuries.
Blue Part of the Eraser
You may think that some erasers are different colors simply to make them more appealing to children. In schools, there are even rumors among children that the blue part of the eraser could emit ink. Unfortunately, that isn't true. But, equally as cool, the blue part is meant to be used on certain types of paper that are thicker and stronger than common loose-leaf or notebook paper.
For example, artists use paper that is more sensitive to friction. For this reason, they need to use a specific type of eraser, in opposition to the pink erases that we common folk use.
Long Neck Bottles
For those among us who enjoy having an adult beverage, have you ever asked yourself why your alcoholic beverage often comes in bottles with long necks? Most likely, you've been more concerned with drinking the liquid courage and not interested in its history. Well, for one, the long neck of a beer bottle makes it comfortable to hold for long periods of time. It also makes it easier to pour into the ice-cold glass you had prepping for an hour in the freezer.
Some bottles have a more bulbous neck to help collect particles and sediment in unfiltered beers. And for yet another reason, the long necks also help distribute heat throughout the entire bottle when your warm hand is around it. In short, the long neck assures that your drink stays cold for as long as possible... which is what you want, right?
Wooden Coat Hangers
Is your closet full of wooden coat hangers, plastic ones, or a mish-mash of both? Hangers can say a lot about an individual. But did you know why wooden hangers exist, to begin with? They are designed to keep away moths and other creatures that would damage your clothes. Heavy clothing, like coats and dresses made out of wool, is more vulnerable to various insects.
Wooden hangers are made from cedar wood which is known to naturally help repel moths and other bugs. It also absorbs moisture and odors. So if you find that bugs are attracted to the clothes in your closet, you know how to take care of the problem!
Color-Coded Ice Cream Scoops
To be honest, I worked in an ice cream shop for several years and never once understood why the ice cream scoops had different colors. I didn't even think to ask. Only years later do I finally know the reason. Each color represents a different-sized scoop. Whoops, guess I messed up one too many orders. No wonder why my customers were always so happy...
Ice cream scoops can be given in over a dozen different sizes. This is based on how many scoops go in a cup and how many scoops fill up a 32-ounce container. While the rainbow colors of the handles look joyful and cute, they serve a purpose other than making you feel warm and happy inside.