Syrup lovers have been left 'horrified' and feeling "physically sick" after discovering that the lion on the front of Lyle's Golden Syrup tin is actually dead - and surrounded by flies. The design has remained the same for years, but many people have never given it more than a quick glance.
Lyle's Golden Syrup can be found in most supermarkets and is often used on porridge or when baking. It is one of the oldest and most traditional products you can find while shopping, with a recipe that has not changed since 1883.
Many people may like the fact there is a lion on the front but it's only when you look closely that you realise it is dead and swarmed by insects. The design is inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson, who kills a young lion with his bare hands after it roared and made its way towards him. According to the Mirror, creator Abram Lyle wanted to use the story for his packaging.
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According to the scriptures, a few days after killing the lion, Samson returns and finds that a swarm of bees have build a hive inside the carcass. He takes the honey to his parents, and when they ask where it came from, he says: "Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet."
The revelation about what the Lyle's design actually shows came about on Reddit, where users were shocked to discover the tale behind it. One user replied: "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."
Another said: "I did not know this. That's pretty dark." And a third added: "I didn't need to know this." A fourth person wrote: "Oh my god. I need to call the Samaritans." And a fifth added: "My whole life has been a lie."
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