Illegal To Sell Corn Flakes On Sunday
There is a popular myth that has been circulating for years, claiming that it is illegal to sell corn flakes on Sundays. While it may seem bizarre, this rumor has persisted for decades, leaving many people wondering whether or not there is any truth to it. In this article, we will explore the origins of this myth, evaluate its validity, and ultimately determine whether or not it is illegal to sell corn flakes on Sundays.
Where Did This Myth Come From?
The myth that it is illegal to sell corn flakes on Sundays can be traced back to the late 19th century. At this time, the Kellogg brothers, who had recently established their cereal company, were staunch advocates of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. This Protestant denomination observed the Sabbath on Saturday, not Sunday, and encouraged its followers to abstain from hard physical labor on this day.
In keeping with their religious beliefs, the Kelloggs refused to work on Sundays, choosing instead to dedicate this day to rest and worship. They also encouraged their employees to do the same, going so far as to pay them double wages for any work that had to be done on this day.
While the Kelloggs' religious practices had no legal bearing on the sale of their cereal, their refusal to work on Sundays did have an impact on their competitors. Many of these rival companies, who did not share the Kelloggs' religious convictions, continued to operate on Sundays, leading to a decline in sales for the Kellogg Company on this day of the week.
Is It Really Illegal To Sell Corn Flakes On Sundays?
Despite what the myth would have you believe, it is not illegal to sell corn flakes on Sundays, nor any other cereal for that matter. There are no federal or state laws that prohibit the sale of cereal on Sundays or any other day of the week. The Kelloggs' refusal to work on Sundays was a personal choice, not a legal requirement.
Furthermore, while the Kellogg Company may have experienced a decline in sales on Sundays due to their religious practices, this did not stop other cereal manufacturers from continuing to operate on this day of the week. In fact, most grocery stores today carry a wide variety of cereal brands on their shelves, including corn flakes, every day of the week.
Why Has This Myth Persisted?
So why has the myth that it is illegal to sell corn flakes on Sundays persisted for so long? One reason may be that it is simply an interesting tidbit of trivia that people enjoy sharing with one another. Another reason may be that the story of the Kellogg brothers and their religious practices has become conflated with the myth over time, leading people to assume that there must be some legal basis behind it.
Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that this myth is just that – a myth. While the Kellogg Company may have chosen not to sell cereal on Sundays, there was never any legal requirement for them or any other cereal manufacturer to do so.
Conclusion
In summary, the myth that it is illegal to sell corn flakes on Sundays is nothing more than a persistent rumor with no basis in fact. While the Kellogg brothers may have chosen not to sell cereal on Sundays as a matter of personal and religious conviction, this had no legal bearing on the sale of cereal by other manufacturers. Today, you can find a wide variety of cereal brands on grocery store shelves every day of the week, including everyone's favorite – corn flakes!