Introduction
Mexican jumping beans is a popular curio that has been sold in many parts of the world for over a hundred years. These beans, which are native to Mexico, are the seeds of a particular species of shrub that contains a small worm-like creature known as the larva of the wax moth.
The Mexican jumping bean is believed to have been first discovered by the Aztecs, who used them as a form of entertainment. When thrown in the air, the beans would jump and tumble around, much to the amusement of onlookers.
The Mexican jumping bean gained popularity in Europe and North America in the late 19th century, where they were often use as children’s toys. Today, they are still popular as curiosities and novelties and can be find in many souvenir shops in Mexico.
The Myth and Magic of Mexican Jumping Beans
There is something magical about Mexican jumping beans; the way they move and the folklore surrounding them. In some Mexican legends, jumping beans were believe to have create by the Aztec gods to bring good luck and protection to those who possess them. In addition, there are stories about the magical powers of Mexican jumping beans; some tales suggest that if a person has a bean that jumps in more than one direction in a single toss, then they will grant special luck and fortune shortly. This could explain why the beans remain popular in Mexico – amongst cultures that place a great emphasis on luck and superstition.
How Mexican Jumping Beans Work
Mexican jumping beans are make up of three different components. The outermost component is a dry, hard shell that protects the two inner components. The second component is an internal larva – or baby moth – which lives inside the bean and feeds on the inner layer of the bean. Finally, the innermost component is the egg which is surrounding the larva. When the bean is warm up by the sun, the energy makes the larva twitch and wriggle around like a muscle. This motion causes the bean to jump and spin around, hence the name Mexican jumping beans. The bean will eventually tire, becoming still and going dormant until it is warm up once again.
The History of Mexican Jumping Beans
The history of Mexican jumping bean can trace back to ancient Mexico, where Aztecs reportedly use them as a form of entertainment. The beans were also find to have spiritual importance amongst the indigenous cultures of Mexico, who attribute the beans to magical powers. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that Mexico jumping beans became popular in Europe and North America. Soon after, children’s stores in the United Kingdom began to sell beans as children’s toys. By the early 20th century, Mexican jumping bean had become a popular novelty item and were be sell in shops and souvenir outlets in Mexico, the United States and Europe.
How to Grow Mexican Jumping Beans
Mexican jumping beans can grow at home as a fun science project. To do this, you will need to find the right species of shrubs, as this is the type of plant that produces the seeds. Once you have located a suitable shrub, you can collect the pods and let them dry. Once they are completely dry, they will be ready to be open and the beans plant. Planting the beans is simple – simply place the beans in a pot of well-draining soil. The pot should place in a sunny spot, as this is where the jumping beans will warm up and start to ‘jump’. After a few weeks, the bean will begin to produce a small shoot, from which the plant will continue to grow. With proper care, you should be able to harvest the seeds and bean pods from the plant.
Mexican Jumping Beans Today
Mexican jumping bean remain popular today, both as curiosities and as collectibles. They can find in many souvenir shops in Mexico and some other parts of the world. In the United States, you can often find Mexican jumping bean in the novelty aisles of larger toy stores. These days, some people have taken to using Mexican jumping bean as pets. By providing the right environment and keeping the beans warm, the owners of these pets can enjoy the experience of watching their beans jump and tumble around. For more information visit us.
