Sweetest Day is a holiday with a regional focus. It is most popular in the Northeast and Great Lakes region of the United States, though it is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. It is a holiday that exists to give presents - mainly sweets - to loved ones and friends. Other common gifts include greeting cards and flowers.
The Origin of Sweetest Day
Sweetest Day was first created in Cleveland in 1922 by philanthropist and candy company employee Herbert Birch Kingston. Herbert wanted to bring happiness to the less fortunate residents of the city, include orphans and shut-ins by bringing them candy and other gifts.
The movement was popularized by movie star Ann Pennington, who distributed boxes of candy to 2,200 newspaper boys to express her gratitude for their hard work. Another movie star by the name of Theda Bara gave boxes of candy to 10,000 patients in local hospitals, and to anyone who attended screenings of her film in theaters.
Modern Sweetest Day
Occurring on every third Saturday in October, Sweetest Day is still considered a relatively "new" holiday. Although originating as a holiday for charity, it is now one associated with giving candy and gifts to loved ones. The theme of the holiday is considered a mix of both friendly and romantic, and is often thought of as a "second Valentine’s Day". Sweetest Day continues to be a holiday mostly marked by chocolate and candy, just as is it was originally intended.