Sweetest Day

Sweetest Day is every year on the third Saturday in October. This holiday is a time for people to appreciate and understand the need for a kind and sweet attitude towards others. On this day, people reject excessive severity and become more gentle to those around them. It is also a day to give your family, friends, and strangers, as well as yourself, some treats like chocolates or other sweets.

History

Sweetest Day dates back to 1921 when 12 Cleveland confectionery companies united to create the holiday for the city’s inhabitants. They handed out boxes of chocolates to newspaper boys, orphans, the elderly, and the poor. This idea was then picked up by celebrities such as Theda Bara, who was known for her vamp role, and who handed out treats to her audience as well as to hospital patients. The holiday quickly spread to nearby states such as Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, and eventually across the US. Sweetest Day is often thought of as an autumn counterpart to Valentine’s Day, as lovers exchange gifts on this day as well. However, it is important to remember the charitable purpose of the holiday and to think of those who cannot afford treats.

Fun Facts

• In the 16th century, candies were sold in pharmacies as medicine, believed to cure diseases.
• Marmalade originated in Asia and made its way to Europe during the Crusades.
• The MasterFood company made the world’s largest box of sweets, weighing 800 kg and measuring 2.5 meters long and 1.5 meters wide.
• The largest candy is the Hagi-Boy bear, standing at 1.68 meters and weighing 632 kg, taking two weeks to make.

How to Take Part

To participate in Sweetest Day, it is best to prepare in advance: buy sweets for yourself, family, and friends. You can also distribute some of the treats to those in need. Finally, you can make sweet desserts at home to share with your neighbors or colleagues.

When is Sweetest Day in 2024?

Sweetest Day is observed on the third Saturday of October each year.

Observations