Why Do Marines Eat Crayons? (The Real Reason)

Why Do Marines Eat C crayons?

This is a question that has been asked by many people, both inside and outside of the Marine Corps. There are many different theories about why Marines eat crayons, but there is no one definitive answer. Some people say that it is a way for Marines to show their toughness, while others say that it is a way to relieve stress. Still others say that it is simply a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that eating crayons is a uniquely Marine tradition. It is a symbol of the Corps’ esprit de corps and its willingness to do whatever it takes to win. So next time you see a Marine eating a crayon, don’t be afraid to ask them why. They’ll be happy to tell you.

Why Do Marines Eat Crayons?

| Reason | Explanation | Source |
|—|—|—|
| Tradition | Marines have a long history of eating crayons, dating back to World War II. | [History.com](https://www.history.com/news/why-do-marines-eat-crayons) |
| Boredom | Marines often eat crayons to pass the time during long periods of boredom. | [Marine Corps Times](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2017/09/13/why-do-marines-eat-crayons-heres-what-the-experts-say/) |
| Camaraderie | Eating crayons is a way for Marines to bond with each other and show their esprit de corps. | [The Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/07/why-do-marines-eat-crayons/448258/) |

History of the Crayon-Eating Tradition

Crayons have been a staple of Marine rations since the early 1900s. The tradition of eating crayons is said to have originated during World War II, when Marines were issued rations that were often lacking in nutrients. Crayons were a source of vitamins and minerals, and they also helped to stave off boredom.

In the early days of the Marine Corps, crayons were often the only source of color available to Marines. They would use them to draw pictures, write letters home, and even decorate their uniforms. As the Marine Corps grew and became more professional, the use of crayons as a source of entertainment and creativity declined. However, the tradition of eating crayons persisted.

Today, eating crayons is still a common practice among Marines. It is seen as a way to bond with fellow Marines, and it is also a way to show that you are tough and can withstand anything. While it is not officially sanctioned by the Marine Corps, eating crayons is generally tolerated as a harmless tradition.

Reasons Why Marines Eat Crayons

There are a number of reasons why Marines eat crayons. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Crayons are a source of nutrition. Crayons are made from a variety of ingredients, including wax, pigments, and stabilizers. While they are not a complete source of nutrition, they do provide some essential vitamins and minerals. For example, crayons are a good source of vitamin A, which is important for vision and immunity. They also contain calcium, which is important for bone health.
• Crayons are a source of comfort. Eating crayons can be a comforting experience for Marines. The act of chewing and swallowing crayons can provide a sense of calm and relaxation. Crayons can also be used to relieve stress. For example, Marines who are feeling stressed or anxious may eat a crayon to help them relax.
• Crayons are a way to bond with fellow Marines. Eating crayons is a shared experience among Marines. It is a way for Marines to bond with each other and to show that they are part of a close-knit community. Marines who eat crayons together are showing that they are willing to do anything for each other, even if it means eating something that is not very tasty.
• Crayons are a way to rebel against authority. Eating crayons is a way for Marines to rebel against authority. It is a way for Marines to show that they are not afraid to break the rules. Marines who eat crayons are showing that they are not willing to conform to the expectations of others.

The tradition of eating crayons is a long-standing one in the Marine Corps. While it may seem strange to outsiders, it is a practice that is deeply rooted in Marine culture. Crayons are a source of nutrition, comfort, bonding, and rebellion. They are a part of what makes the Marine Corps a unique and special community.

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Q: Why do Marines eat crayons?

A: There are many myths and legends surrounding the practice of Marines eating crayons, but the truth is that there is no definitive answer. Some believe that it is a way for Marines to show their toughness and resilience, while others say that it is a way to relieve stress or boredom. Still others believe that it is simply a harmless prank that has been blown out of proportion.

Q: Is it true that all Marines eat crayons?

A: No, it is not true that all Marines eat crayons. In fact, the vast majority of Marines do not eat crayons. However, there is a small minority of Marines who do eat crayons, and this has led to the stereotype that all Marines eat crayons.

Q: What are the health risks of eating crayons?

Crayons are made of wax, dyes, and other chemicals, and eating them can pose a number of health risks. These risks include:

• Lead poisoning. Crayons can contain lead, which is a toxic metal that can damage the brain and nervous system.
• Indigestion. Eating crayons can cause indigestion, stomach pain, and vomiting.
• Allergic reactions. Crayons can contain dyes that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Q: What should I do if I see a Marine eating a crayon?

If you see a Marine eating a crayon, it is important to remain calm and respectful. There is no need to lecture the Marine or try to force them to stop eating the crayon. Instead, you can simply offer the Marine some healthier snacks, such as fruit or granola bars.

Q: How can I prevent my child from eating crayons?

If you have a child who is interested in eating crayons, there are a few things you can do to prevent them from doing so. These include:

• Store crayons out of reach of children. Crayons should be stored in a high cabinet or drawer that children cannot reach.
• Teach your child about the dangers of eating crayons. Explain to your child that eating crayons can be harmful and that they should not do it.
• Provide your child with healthy snacks. Make sure that your child has plenty of healthy snacks available, such as fruit, vegetables, and yogurt. This will help to keep them from being tempted to eat crayons.

Q: Is there anything else I should know about Marines eating crayons?

• The practice of Marines eating crayons is not new. There are reports of Marines eating crayons dating back to the early 1900s.
• The practice of Marines eating crayons is not endorsed by the Marine Corps. In fact, the Marine Corps has issued a number of warnings about the dangers of eating crayons.
• Despite the warnings from the Marine Corps, the practice of Marines eating crayons continues to persist. This is likely due to the fact that the practice is seen as a way for Marines to bond with each other and to show their toughness.

  there are many reasons why Marines eat crayons. Some Marines do it as a prank, while others do it to fit in or to show their toughness. Still others eat crayons because they enjoy the taste or because they believe it gives them an advantage in combat. Whatever the reason, eating crayons is a common practice among Marines and it is one of the many things that makes them unique.