Ancient Balloons
Anthropologists have found the earliest uses of “balloons” dating back to ancient times – all the way back to the Aztecs to be exact. We use the term balloons loosely, as these creations were very different from what we now know balloons to be. The Aztecs wanted something extra to display on their offering alters. These early balloons were made from cat bowels that were carefully cleaned and left to dry in the sun. After being stitched with up with a special kind of vegetable thread, these balloons were later filled with air and twisted into different shapes before gracing the sacrificial alters of the Aztecs. It’s also said that these early balloons were taken to the top of the Aztec pyramid in praise of the sun. These very early balloons aren’t the most pleasant things, but this was the first documented example of a decorative celebration material.
Let’s fast-forward quite a few years to the year 1824. A professor by the name of Michael Faraday at the Royal Institute of London invented the closet thing to the balloon we are familiar with today. The sole purposes of these almost modern balloons were to aid Professor Faraday’s hydrogen experiments. Faraday began cutting two equal sized round patterns from India-rubber - or the milky discharge of a certain South American tree. He would then coat the inside of these circles with flour to prevent them from sticking. After he had the floured circles ready, he would stick the two edges together to create a sort of bag that would then be filled with hydrogen. People were astonished by the amazing transparency and lift of these accidental balloons.
Following Professor Faraday’s accidental balloon invention, do-it-yourself balloon kits were made available for sale the next year in 1825. These kits were sold to people through fairs or magazines where they would have to go through a process similar to Professor Faraday to create a balloon. Then, in 1889, balloons were brought to the United State by the Montgomery Ward catalogue. It was not until 1907 when balloons were actually being manufactured in the United States – first by the Anderson Rubber Company in Ohio. More strides were made in 1922, when the use of hydrogen to fill balloons was made illegal. Hydrogen tended to be very flammable and very dangerous; helium was used instead. Finally, in 1931 the rubber balloon industry changed for good. Gone where the days of fragile balloons and colors that rubbed off on the skin. The Tillotson Rubber Company was the first to manufacture balloons from the sap of a rubber tree – latex balloons were born!
Modern Balloons and You
The history of balloons is one for the record books. It’s obvious that balloons have evolved so much since their beginnings as animal intestines or experiments for hydrogen behavior. Today, balloons are a staple used in celebrations all over the world. From kid’s birthday parties to a company’s grand opening event, latex balloons are a surefire way to get your message of celebration across. We can trace the use of balloons for celebrations back hundreds and hundred of years.
Even better, using latex balloons to promote your business is one of the best ways to get your company or brand name out there. You will need to search out the best custom balloon printer that offers great deals on wholesale promotional balloons. Everyone from car dealerships to technology companies, to presidential candidates and mom and pop shops have made use of latex balloons in their marketing strategies. The use of balloons for marketing may not be as old as the Aztecs, but this practice does date back to the 1920’s when companies would use them for celebrations – Walt Disney even marketed Mickey Mouse balloons in 1929. So if you’re looking to increase your company’s exposure, make use of one of the oldest tools for celebrations – balloons!
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