Welcome to Day 17! Today I am sharing this sweet penguin warming up with a cup of cocoa. Have you ever wondering where cocoa orginated from? Well I did as I was drawing this little guy and here is what I found out.

Cocoa, known for its rich flavor and key role in chocolate production, has a fascinating history. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Mayan civilization in Central America around 1900 B.C. The Mayans were the first to discover the value of the cocoa tree and they used its beans to create a bitter beverage.

The word “cocoa” itself comes from the Nahuatl language spoken by the Aztecs. They called it “cacahuatl,” which means “bean of the cocoa tree.” The Aztecs believed that cocoa was a divine gift and they used it not only as a drink but also as a form of currency.

In the 15th century, Spanish explorers arrived in Central America. They learned about cocoa from the local people and brought it back to Europe. At first, cocoa was consumed as a luxury drink among the elite. However, with the advent of industrialization in the 18th century, cocoa became more accessible to the general public.

Today, cocoa is grown in many tropical regions around the world, including West Africa, South America, and Asia. It continues to be a beloved ingredient in many foods and drinks, especially chocolate.

Download this free coloring page.

This year I thought it would be fun to make these into a DRAW THIS IN YOUR STYLE! There are two ways to do this:

1) Draw it yourself in your style OR 2) Download and color the page

Next, share on Instagram using the tag #dtiys-advent and TAG ME IN THE PHOTO – @juliemstudios (this will allow me to find it)

I will be sharing your versions in my stories throughout the month!