National Candy Day on November 4th is like a sweet siren’s call to my inner child. These delightful, sometimes tangy, sometimes melt-in-your-mouth confections have been my beloved companions since my earliest memories. Whether they’re the hard, chewy, fruity delights or those enchanting candies that promise not to melt in your hand, candy has been a constant source of joy throughout my life. As the years go by, it also serves as a charming time machine, whisking me back to the carefree days of childhood.
The fascinating story of candy begins in the enchanting lands of India. It’s astonishing to think that between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, Persians and Greeks marveled at the discovery that the people of India had something they referred to as “reeds that make honey without bees.” Little did they know that these ‘reeds’ were actually the precious sugarcane, native to the lush lands of Southeast Asia. The ingenious ancient Indians would boil sugarcane juice until it transformed into those beloved, individual pieces of sugar, aptly named “khanda.”
Before sugarcane spread its sweet influence beyond Asia, various ancient civilizations turned to honey for their candied pleasures. China, the Middle East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome all used honey to coat fruits and flowers, not only preserving them but transforming them into early forms of candy. In a time before the Industrial Revolution, candy served a dual purpose as both a sweet indulgence and a form of medicine. It could soothe upset stomachs and cool sore throats, providing comfort in an era where balanced and fresh food was a luxury.
Fast forward to the 18th century when candy made its debut in the New World, brought over from the candy capitals of France and Britain. Only a fortunate few early American colonists possessed the skills required for sugar work, so candy remained a treat for the well-to-do. Then came the 1830s, a time when the gears of the Industrial Revolution were turning at full tilt, bringing forth technological advancements that made candy accessible to a broader audience, not just the elite. Children, in particular, emerged as a distinct market for these delectable creations. While a handful of artisan sugar craftsmen still plied their trade, candy stores started cropping up across America, becoming fixtures in the lives of children and families. Penny candy, that irresistible temptation, was often the first expenditure for a child’s hard-earned coins, and the livelihood of candy store owners came to depend largely on the patronage of young ones and their families.
So, when National Candy Day rolls around, it’s not just a day for sweets; it’s a day to savor the delectable moments of the past, the timeless pleasure of candy, and the joy it brings to my heart.
