Candy hearts — the little pastel sweets with messages like “Be Mine” or “Kiss Me” — have been around for a very long time. A candy maker named Oliver R. Chase invented a machine in the 1860s that helped make candy easier and faster. His brother Daniel Chase later figured out how to print short sayings directly on the candies, which became known as “candy hearts” or “conversation hearts.” The heart shape became popular around 1901, and the sweets have been associated with Valentine’s Day ever since.
Decorating with Candy Day is a fun celebration that happens every February 1. On this day, people are encouraged to use candy to decorate food, pictures, tables, or even rooms to make things bright and tasty. It comes between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, when candy is already a big part of holiday fun. I like to make Valentine cards and glue the candy with the words that replace my writing. Whether you add candy sprinkles to cookies or make candy pictures, this day is all about enjoying sweets and being creative with them!
References:
- Stamp from the author’s collection
- Mystic Stamp Company, “2004 37¢ Love Series: Candy Hearts,” MysticStamp.com. mysticstamp.com
- Smithsonian National Postal Museum, “37c Candy Hearts single,” postalmuseum.si.edu. National Postal Museum
- Wikipedia, “Sweethearts (candy).” Wikipedia
- Remind Magazine, “The Strange History of Valentine’s Day Conversation Candy Hearts.” Remind
- National Today, “Decorating with Candy Day – February 1.” National TodayDays of the Year, “Decorating With Candy Day (February 1st).” Days Of The Year
