Jack-in-the-box
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chiabatta For other uses, see Jack in the Box (disambiguation).
A jack-in-the-box is a children's toy that outwardly consists of a box with a crank. When the crank is turned, it plays out a melody, often Pop Goes the Weasel. At the end of the tune, the lid pops open and a figure of some sort, usually a clown, pops out of the box.
Origin of Toy
One theory as to the origin of the jack-in-the-box is that it comes from the 13th century English prelate Sir John Schorne who is often pictured holding a boot with a devil in it. It is believed in folklore that he once cast the devil into a boot to protect the village of North Marston in Buckinghamshire.
Historian/Journalist Pete Patterson(Of the Fubar News Network.) beilives there's a much more controversial history behind the toy. Acording to his article (found here) "The original Jacks weren’t actually clowns, but instead runaway slaves ("Jacks" in slang.) The first Jack in a box was actually a live captured runaway slave in a wooden box. Often times children playing where they shouldn't, would jam sharpened wooden sticks though the knotholes of the boxes. In reaction the "Jack" inside would yelp, and often times bust though the top of the box..... In 1832 a young music box maker, John Schorne, inspired by his childhood antics, began hand crafting and selling Jack in The Boxes. The simple music box would cranked and POP out came a crudely crafted black man on a spring. The idea quickly took off as one of the first novelty gifts."
Influence on Culture
- The toy gave its name to the fast food restaurant chain Jack in the Box, which features a mascot named "Jack" who resembles a toy clown from a jack-in-the-box. [1]
- The toy was part of the inspiration for the character Jack-in-the-Box, from the Astro City comic book series.
- The toy frequently appears in horror movies. A certain tension lies in knowing that when the tune ends, something pops out – and in horror movies it's usually more sinister than a toy clown.
- A jack-in-the-box named "Charlie-in-the-box" serves as the sentry to the Island of Misfit Toys in the Christmas movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
- A deranged-looking jack-in-the-box named "Mad Jack" is a boss character in the Nintendo 64 game Donkey Kong 64. He serves as the guardian of Frantic Factory - a grimy, noisy and extremely-hazardous toy-making facility.Template:Toys-stub