SWEETEST DAY

Sweetest Day is an unofficial, unreligious, fun holiday that falls on the 3 rd Saturday of October every year.

What is Sweetest Day?

This is a day where sweets and gifts are exchanged to show that you care and love the person. Unlike Valentine’s day, this day is not confined to a couple in love. Sweetest Day was first celebrated on October 10, 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio.

How did Sweetest Day originate?

The exact origins for Sweetest Day is not known. However, there are many theories to address this. One of the most popular theories is that, a group of 12 candy manufacturers came together in 1921 and donated 20000 boxes of candies and chocolates to the underprivileged in Ohio. This was led by C.C Hartzell and was widely supported by the film stars like Ann Pennington and Theda Bara. This has been supported by records found in Plain Dealer. Another theory is attributed to the day Herbert Birch Kingston and his friends decided to spread happiness by donating candy and little gifts to the orphans and the destitute in Ohio. Yet another theory that is widely believed is that is just another holiday created by the greeting card companies like Hallmark and American Greetings and confectioners, in order to promote and sell cards and candy. However, there is evidence that debunks this theory.

Where is Sweetest Day celebrated?

Sweetest Day is a holiday that is specific to USA. It is celebrated in parts of mid-western and north- eastern USA as a day that is dedicated to all those who are dear to us and bring joy into our lives. The states where Sweetest Day is celebrated are Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, some parts of New York and Pennsylvania.

How to celebrate Sweetest Day?

In keeping with the spirit of Sweetest Day, brighten your dearest ones’ day with sweet acts of kindness and express your love for them. Express your gratitude to those whom you owe a lot to. With the fast-paced life that we lead, little things like this are often missed out. Share gifts like flowers chocolates, candies and other sweets with them. Getaway with them to their cherished destinations. You could spend time with them making treats and crafts from scratch and spend some time reaching about the origins of your favourite sweet. Your time, attention, kindness and prayers would be valuable to orphans, the sick, the destitute, the forgotten and could make a world of difference to their state of mind. Make time to visit them, distribute candies and sweets among them or you could volunteer to raise money for them. The pleasure you could get by your sweet gestures would be priceless. Give into indulgence and treat yourself with your favourite sweet.

Is Sweetest Day a bank holiday?

Sweetest Day is not a recognized government holiday. Therefore, it is business as usual for banks and government offices.

Fun Facts

- Sweetest Day was initially known as ‘Candy Day’

- Sweetest Day is often referred to as ‘Hallmark Holiday’

- Hallmark started cashing on the popularity of Sweetest Day profits only around the 1960s, almost 50 years after Sweetest Day came into existence.

- Sweetest Day was founded at a time when Halloween based ‘Trick or Treating’ idea has not caught on.

- It is believed that the Confectioners Association chose October as a way to boost sales of candies and confectioneries before the festive season in December. They tried to mask the intent by attributing Sweetest Day to the spirit of kindness and a day to acknowledge love for the near and dear ones.

- Sweetest Day sales is the highest in Ohio.