Happy National Candy Day! Those with a sweet tooth rejoice! On November 4, we celebrate the sweet holiday.
Candies have a long history of attracting us with their bright colors and delightful flavors. They also come in a variety of fun sizes and shapes.
Candy History
In the late 13th century, Middle English first began using the word candy. Borrowed from the Old French cucre candi, it is derived in turn from Persian Qand and Qandi, cane sugar.
People use the term candy as a broad category. We treat candy bars, chocolates, licorice, sour candies, salty candies, tart candies, hard candies, taffies, gumdrops, marshmallows, and much more as candy.
However, sugar wasn’t always readily available, so the first candies were made from honey. Candymakers coated coat fruits and flowers with honey. This method preserved the flowers and nuts or created forms of candy.
Today, we still create these confections, but they are typically seen as a garnish.
Originally a form of medicine, candy calmed the digestive system or cooled a sore throat.
During that time, combined with spices and sugar, candy only appeared in the purses and the dishes of the wealthy.
By the 18th century, the first candy likely came to America from Britain and France.
At the time, people made the simplest form of candy from crystallized sugar – rock candy.
However, even the most basic form of sugar was considered a luxury and was only attainable by the wealthy.
Since 1979, the world has produced more sugar than can be sold, making it very attainable and cheap.
Industrial Revolution
With the advent of the industrial revolution, many advances improved the availability of sugar.
By the 1830s, markets opened and the candy business underwent a drastic change. Not only did the price of candy drop, but penny candies targeted children.
• 1847 – Invention of the candy press making it possible to produce multiple shapes and sizes of candy at one time.
• 1851 – Confectioners begin using a revolving steam pan to assist in boiling sugar.
The two top-selling candies in America have been:
• M & M’S – M&M’s are milk chocolate drops with a colorful candy coating on the outside. Forrest Mars, Sr. and William Murrie developed M&M’s following the Spanish Civil War. They stamped the new candy with the initials of their surnames. In 1941, they debuted the candies, and they were given to American soldiers serving in the World War II.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are round chocolate disks that are filled with a sweet, creamy peanut butter filling. Hershey’s company first manufactured the iconic cups in 1928.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Four days after Halloween, you should be able to celebrate this day. Either you have leftover candy or can sneak some of your kid’s stash to celebrate.
You can also scan the sales of Halloween candy at your local stores. Or, invite some friends to enjoy their favorite candies with you!
While you’re celebrating, be sure to use #NationalCandyDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this sweet tasting holiday.
What is your favorite kind of candy?
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