People are only just discovering ‘depressing’ detail on Lyle’s Golden Syrup tin

Foodies are only just discovering what the yellow logo on Lyle’s Golden Syrup tin actually depicts – and it isn’t a lion taking a nap like many people originally assumed

Lots of Brits will be familiar with Lyle’s Golden Syrup, having launched over 150 years ago in 1881, it’s really stood the test of time. But despite being the nation’s oldest brand, foodies are only just finding out what the logo on the tin actually depicts – and it’s slightly traumatising.

At a quick glance, it’s easy to assume the yellow lion is laying down or sleeping, but it turns out the king of the jungle isn’t going for a nap at all. One Twitter user recently revealed the truth, writing: “Tell me I’m not the only one who didn’t realise the lion on Lyle’s Golden Syrup packaging is depicted dead?!”

The depressing reality came as a shock to many eaters, who regularly grab the tin out of the back of the cupboard for a baking session or Pancake Day.

It turns out the dead lion with a flurry of bees buzzing around it is inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson.

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.”

It’s not just Lyle’s Golden Syrup that’s shocked fans, foodies are only just realising what the ‘HP’ in HP Sauce stands for too.

According to the Museum of Brands, Frederick Gibson Garton – who was a grocer from Nottingham – registered the name HP Sauce in 1895 after hearing that a restaurant in the Houses of Parliament had begun serving it.

If you’ve ever looked at a bottle of HP Sauce, then the secret to the meaning behind the letters has been staring you in the face the whole time, as there’s even a picture of the Houses of Parliament on the label.

Did you recognise the picture on the logo? Let us know in the comments.