Did you know October is quickly becoming the month of love? Taking place this year on October 16, 2021, Sweetest Day has been a holiday for over 100 years. Still, it remains a Midwest festivity that even many Midwesterners don’t bother to celebrate. Most don’t understand the differences between Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day and therefore don’t see the point in celebrating both.
The fact is that these holidays are about different types of love. You don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to enjoy Sweetest Day. Spread all sorts of love—and sweets—when you celebrate this memorable holiday. Find out what makes it so special.
What is the Difference Between Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day?
What Is Sweetest Day?
Popular in certain regions of the United States, Sweetest Day began when the National Confectioners Association told shoppers around the country to ask their local stores for sweets on October 14, 1916. Shoppers responded, and the day was known as Candy Day. The media referred to it as “the sweetest day of the year.” Although the day disappeared during WWI due to sugar rations, it reappeared in 1919. When they brought it back, the holiday lasted for a week.
Sweetest Day became a charitable holiday in 1921 when candymakers in Michigan used the event as an opportunity to hand out 20,000 boxes of candy to shelters, hospitals, and orphanages in their area. They tried to make it a national holiday the following year, but the idea wasn’t popular.
Another story about Sweetest Day says an Ohio candymaker established it. Herbert Birch Kingston wanted to bring happiness to kids in orphanages and others who society had forgotten, so he established the holiday around 1922.
Fun Fact: The differing origin tales around this holiday are similar, but the outcomes are the same.
What Is Valentine’s Day?
A much older holiday, Valentine’s Day dates to the 14th century. It is based on the Roman Catholic Saint Valentine, who performed marriages for young couples after it was outlawed. The celebration has origins in pagan tradition; Valentine’s Day was originally a fertility festival known as “Lupercalia.” To Christianize the celebration, it was changed to the modern holiday.
It’s a Midwest Thing
One of the differences between Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day is where it’s celebrated. Likely due to where it was invented, Sweetest Day is most popular in the Midwest, while people celebrate Valentine’s Day across the globe. People who have heard of this additional day of love are likely from states like:
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
February vs. October
Another difference between the two holidays is the time of year they take place. While the more popular holiday is always on February 14, Sweetest Day takes place on the third Saturday of every October. That means the exact day may change. It also gives you two fun opportunities to celebrate the people you love most in your life.
Pro Tip: If you can’t celebrate your love the way you wish in winter, use Sweetest Day as an excuse. The weather may be better in October for your getaway or activity.
Reasons for the Holidays
While these holidays may seem similar, another difference is the meaning behind them. If you think both holidays are only for romantic couples, you should take a second look at Sweetest Day. This holiday is for everyone who has a loved one, whether it’s your friend, a co-worker, or a teacher.
Why Celebrate Sweetest Day
A charitable holiday, Sweetest Day originated to show people you’re thinking about them and that you care. It’s technically not about romantic love, but rather a celebration of platonic love. As the holiday evolved, it’s became a day for telling your friends you love them. Further, you can choose to celebrate it like Valentine’s Day and repay your loved one for the incredible celebration they gifted you.
Pro Tip: Gift candy, make sweets, and send adorable cards. Hallmark sells Sweetest Day cards with both romantic and platonic themes.
Reasons To Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Since Valentine’s Day is named for the saint martyred for wedding young couples, it’s naturally a holiday for young lovers. If you’re in a romantic relationship, let this holiday be your excuse to celebrate the love you’ve developed with your partner. You may not need a reason to be romantic and in touch with your lover, but any excuse is a good one if you can get it.
How To Celebrate Sweetest Day vs. Valentine’s Day
Another difference between Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day is how you celebrate them. Since one is all about romantic love and one is about platonic love, you might spend these holidays with different people. For instance, if you spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other, spend Sweetest Day with your friends. Use the day to do things you like to do with your pals. Give each other gifts or go on a vacation together.
As the day implies, you can’t celebrate Sweetest Day without sweets. Originally known simply as Candy Day, it’s the perfect day to eat your favorite treats, whether it’s chocolate, pastries, gummy candies, or something in between. Like all food, sweets are better when you enjoy them with a loved one.
Valentine’s Day Candy vs. Sweetest Day Candy
Manufacturers produce special treats for Valentine’s Day because it’s a national holiday. Since Sweetest Day isn’t as well-known, you probably won’t find candy made specific to the day. For instance, for Valentine’s, you’ll find heart-shaped candies and cookies. You may need to improvise for Sweetest Day. Hershey’s Kisses, Atomic Fireballs, Pop Rocks, and Twizzlers may spice up your celebration.
You can buy candy online wholesale to gift all your friends from our selection at Sweets Services. Even if they’ve never heard of Sweetest Day before, your friends will love that you’re giving them gifts. Introduce this holiday to begin a timeless tradition that may bring you closer to your loved ones. Candy makers and card companies may be good at motivating you to buy their products, but thankfully, they give us a reason to remember why we’ve chosen to be part of each other’s lives. Start preparing for Sweetest Day right away.
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