Even though hard candy is a sweet treat that many people try to paint as a universal candy enjoyed by all, let’s be honest. Hard candy is something that people either really like or don’t like.

If you find yourself on the side of enjoying this type of candy, you may want to celebrate a holiday known as National Hard Candy Day. This holiday, which is celebrated right before Christmas on December 19th, is a day on which people are encouraged to enjoy all varieties of hard candies.

The History of Hard Candy

Like chocolate, hard candies made from crystallized sugars have been around for at least 3,000 years, if not longer. While chocolate can be traced back to Mesoamerica, hard candies can be traced back to ancient Egypt—although it could probably be said that just about every culture had some form of crystallized candy made with honey.

During the Middle Ages, sugar began to be used to make candies. In Europe, sugar was relatively rare, so many of these candies were only enjoyed by the upper classes and not the lower classes. By the time the 17th century rolled around, the price of manufacturing sugar came down, and hard candy became popular during this time.

As demand for hard candy began to grow, more and more candy factories began to be erected across Europe and the U.S. By the 19th century, the U.S. alone had over 400 factories dedicated to producing candy. An early form was rock candy, but as time went by, many different varieties of hard candy were introduced to the general public.

The candy industry came into its own during the mid-19th century. In 1847, the candy press was invented, and this device allowed candy makers all over the world to make candies in all different types of shapes and sizes. A few years later, confectioners began to use a revolving steam pan.

This device freed candy makers from having to constantly stir huge vats of boiling sugar. This not only reduced the number of people needed to run a candy factory but also made the sugar less likely to burn. It also gave the end product more consistency.

Observing National Hard Candy Day

National Hard Candy Day can be observed by grabbing a bag (or two) of your favorite type of hard candy. It doesn’t matter if those hard candies are Jolly Ranchers, Werther’s Originals, or some other type of hard candy. Just make sure to enjoy some on this day. And while you do so, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalHardCandyDay on social media to share this holiday with the world.