If you look inside supermarkets like ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons, you're bound to find tins of Lyle's Golden Syrup. It's one of the most traditional items on shelves, and its design has largely remained the same for years.
But while most of us are familiar with the brand and its iconic design, most people have never looked more closely than a quick glance. Look closer, though, and you'll discover a 'dark' hidden meaning.
It may be the unassuming mascot of a sweet treat, but the lion is actually dead. And what's worse - he's being swarmed with insects. Gross.
It turns out the dead lion with a flurry of bees buzzing around it is inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson. According to the Mirror, creator Abram Lyle decided to use the Bible's Lion and the Bees story for his packaging.
According to the scriptures, Samson kills a young lion with his bare hands after it roared and made its way toward him. A few days later, he returns and notices a swarm of bees had built a hive inside the carcass.
So, Samson took the honey and gave it to his parents, then when he was asked where he got it from, he said: "Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet." The revelation was brought to light a while back on Reddit too, where users were mind blown to discover the tale behind the syrup.
"This is the most depressing thing I've learnt since I found out that the little piggy who went to market was not going on a shopping trip," one user replied. "I did not know this. That's pretty dark," another said, while a third wrote: "I didn't need to know this."
A fourth person said: "Oh my god. I need to call the Samaritans." "My whole life has been a lie," said a fifth.
We may pass on the syrup sponge and flapjacks for a while.
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