November 4th is National Candy Day #NationalCandyDay and today is a great day to celebrate #Candy because it’s my Birthday. Instead of Cake which Charlie doesn’t eat I would like to have a piece of Candy with Charlie.
I would like to have a Hershy’s with Almond or a Mr. Goodbar, Charlie would want a Twix or Skittles because he can’t eat Snickers right now. David would like a Almond Joy although he also has a bad tooth and might pass on Candy today. Would you like to join us and if so what type of Candy would you like to have and why?
My family hopes your sweet tooth is ready, because November 4th is National Candy Day. These sweet and sour treats have been our favorite snack since childhood. Whether they’re hard, chewy, fruit flavored, or a “melt in your mouth not in your hand” sort of treat, Candy has been a consistent source of happiness and, as we get older, nostalgia.
Did you know the story of Candy begins in India. Between the 6th and 4th Centuries BC, the Persians and Greeks learned that the people in India had, what they called, reeds that make Honey without Bees. These reeds were actually Sugarcane, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia. Ancient Indians would boil Sugarcane Juice, turning it into individual pieces of Sugar, which they called “Khanda.”
Before Sugarcane was domesticated outside of Asia, Honey was used in ancient China, the Middle East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome to coat Fruits and Flowers, which would preserve them and turn them into a form of Candy.
Before the Industrial Revolution, Candy was used as medicine to either calm the digestive system or cool the throat. In the Middle Ages, Candy was mostly consumed by the wealthy and was made of Sugar and Spices to aid digestive problems, which were very common, because food was neither fresh nor balanced.
Did you know Candy first came to America in the 18th Century from France and Britain. Very few Colonists were skilled in Sugar work, meaning only the wealthy were able to enjoy these new treats. In the 1830s, when the Industrial Revolution was in full swing, technological advances allowed Candy to be accessible to more than just the rich, including a new market specifically for children.
While some artisan Sugar workers remained, Candy Stores were becoming an American staple, especially in the lives of children across the Country. Penny Candy became the first thing a child would spend their money on, and Candy Store Owners relied mostly on the business of children and families to keep them running.
National Candy Day Activities
- Give sweets to be sweet because nothing says “Have a great day” better than a box of colorful Candy.
- How about making your own Candy for a change by boiling Sugar in Water or Milk until it starts to Caramelize. Find a recipe that strikes your interest and make it at home!
- We all have our go-to Candies, but next time you’re at the Candy Shop, try the Candy you always look at but never actually pick up. That piece of Candy might be a new favorite.
Facts About Candy!
- Did you know Fairy Floss was the original name of Cotton Candy?
- The Snickers Candy Bar was named after Frank Mars’ family Horse.
- The ancient Aztecs believed that Chocolate was an aphrodisiac.
- Some Candies including Gummy Bears, Lollipops, and Sour Balls are cholesterol-free, making them a healthy treat.
- The Swiss consume more Chocolate than any other Country in the world.
Why People Love National Candy Day
Candy is used by many people as a way to boost happiness and Candy has a natural knack for lifting our moods.
If you’ve never had a king-sized Kit Kat bar or pack of Sour Patch Kids, then you haven’t lived because Candy is great.
From crushing Piñatas at birthday parties, to passing out Hershey’s Kisses for Valentine’s day, Candy was a big part of our childhoods. No matter how much we grow, Candy will always bring back those special memories.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
