What is the history of conversation hearts candy sold around Day?

A Sweet History: The Rise of Conversation Hearts

The candy we know as Conversation Hearts has a long and sweet history, dating back to the early 20th century. Let's delve into the timeline:

1900s:

* Early 1900s: The origins of Conversation Hearts can be traced back to Necco Wafers, a popular candy at the time. These wafers, made of pressed sugar, were often imprinted with messages.

* 1901: Necco started producing small, heart-shaped candies with religious messages for Valentine's Day.

* 1902: The first "conversation" candies were created, featuring simple phrases like "I Love You."

1920s-1940s:

* 1920s: Conversation Hearts gained popularity as a Valentine's Day tradition.

* 1930s-1940s: The candy became known as "Sweethearts" and began to feature more playful messages like "Be Mine" and "Kiss Me."

1950s-1970s:

* 1950s: The iconic "Conversation Hearts" name was adopted, along with the familiar box design.

* 1960s-1970s: The candy became a staple for Valentine's Day, with a wide range of messages and flavors.

1980s-Present:

* 1980s-Present: Conversation Hearts continue to be a beloved Valentine's Day treat, with new flavors and message variations introduced over the years.

* 2000s-Present: Internet memes and social media have helped to keep Conversation Hearts in the spotlight.

Interesting Facts:

* Original flavors: The original Conversation Hearts were only available in lemon, lime, orange, and cherry.

* Popular sayings: "Be Mine" and "Kiss Me" are the two most popular messages on Conversation Hearts.

* Changing times: The messages on Conversation Hearts have evolved over time, reflecting changing social norms and trends.

* Limited edition flavors: Necco has released several limited-edition Conversation Heart flavors over the years, including chocolate, strawberry, and watermelon.

Today, Conversation Hearts remain a symbol of Valentine's Day, bringing a touch of sweetness and playful messages to the celebration of love and friendship.