The Evolving Messages on Sweethearts Candy Hearts Over the Decades

The Evolving Messages on Sweethearts Candy Hearts

Sweethearts candy, known for their short printed sayings on heart-shaped candies, have been popular around Valentines Day for over 150 years. However, some of the original phrases on Sweethearts would be considered inappropriate or insulting candy hearts by today's standards. Let's explore the history of these classic candies and how their messages have changed with the times.

The Early Origins of Candy Hearts

The first heart-shaped candies originated in the mid-1800s. Daniel Chase, brother of New England Confectionery Company (Necco) founder Oliver Chase, developed a machine that could print words onto candy lozenges. Chase wanted the candies to have printed phrases just like the then-new Valentines Day greeting cards that had become popular.

The original Sweethearts candies were produced by the New England Confectionery Company under the brand name Sweethearts: Love Messages. The early candies were much larger in size compared to modern Sweethearts.

Victorian-Era Phrases Seen as Inappropriate Today

Since ideals around romantic relationships have changed over time, Victorian-era Sweethearts sported many messages that seem inappropriate or downright insulting by todays standards. Some early heart sayings included:

• Be Mine
• Dont Tell
• Marry Me
• Forget Me Not
• Sweet Talker
• Flirt
• Bashful
• Saucy Boy
• My Dear

The candies reflected common19th century slang terms of endearment. But modern audiences would likely find Saucy Boy and implications of secret admiration inappropriate among platonic friends or children.

Catholic Groups Spark Change in Sweethearts Messages

By the early 20th century, some religious groups took issue with Sweethearts candy and their use around Valentines Day. In particular, Catholic schools banned students from exchanging heart-shaped candies due to the association with romance.

This led to New England Confectionery developing a special line of Sweethearts with more general phrases, lacking overtly romantic references. This concession to religious concerns sparked the evolution towards more innocuous Sweetheart sayings.

The Introduction of Sweethearts Iconic Phrases

By the early 1900s, many Sweethearts began bearing the familiar phrases still used today like Be Mine and Kiss Me. However, it wasnt until around the 1950s that the Sweethearts primarily carried the modern romantic sayings:

• Be Mine
• Kiss Me
• Sweet Talk
• My Hero
• Call Me
• Love You
• For You
• First Love

Gone were any overtly suggestive phrases like Saucy Boy or Dont Tell. While still focused on romance, these mid-20th century messages aligned better with the conservative era compared to Victorian times.

How Sweets and Culture Embraced Wholesome Romance

Hollywood Feeds Growing Focus on Romantic Love

By the 1950s, Hollywood films, music, and celebrities fueled a growing cultural focus on romance. Courtship and monogamous relationships became very idealized in America and throughout much of the Western world. Candy hearts messages followed suit, promoting fairly innocent romantic expressions.

Many attribute this trend to societal changes stemming from factors like rising postwar prosperity, emphasis on family units, and conservative values common in the era. Candy hearts aligned well with the wholesome view of romance prominent at the time.

A wider Range of Sweethearts Sayings Emerge

Over the ensuing decades from the 1960s onward, Sweethearts began expanding from classic romantic phrases to include more general sentient expressions like:

• Smile
• Thanks
• You Rock
• High Five
• Way to Go
• Best Buds
• Right Back @ Ya
• XOXO

These new sayings moved beyond just romantic love to include platonic friendships as well. The evolution reflected societys views shifting beyond 1950s conservative social norms and strict traditions around dating.

Incorporating Modern Terms and Slang

In recent years, the New England Confectionery Company has adapted to use more contemporary catchphrases on Sweetheart candies to resonate with young consumers. Some 21st century additions include:

• Text Me
• Tweet Me
• Soul Mates
• Me & U
• In A Bit
• Love Bug
• You Rule
• Hubba Hubba

Current parent company Spangler Candy tries to select youthful phrases each year that balance meaningfulness and fun from a kids perspective. Keeping Sweethearts messaging aligned with the times is key for remaining relevant across generations.

The Importance of Positive Candy Heart Messages

Avoiding Controversial Sayings

With societal views constantly evolving over 150 years, New England Confectionery and now Spangler Candy have deliberately avoided potentially offensive or insulting phrases on Sweethearts. Topics like politics, religion, race, and sexuality never make the cut.

Spangler focuses primarily on positive, uplifting messages aligned with themes of friendship, self-esteem, encouragement, and wholesome romance. This allows the candies to spread cheer without fueling conflicts or exclusion.

Promoting Kindness and Connection

Historically, Sweethearts aimed to replicate friendly terms used on Valentines Day cards or in romantic correspondence. While candy technology predates social media, the hearts now also emulate the positive short-form communication prominent online.

The friendly, often cute phrases ultimately try promoting goodwill. Sweethearts let people instantly deliver compliments, encouragement, appreciation and affectionate notes to spark smiles.

Celebrating Love's Cultural Significance

While candy hearts now include sentiments beyond just romance, love remains culturally important around Valentines Day. Sweethearts let young grade school kids up to married couples alike express admiration in a lighthearted way.

The candies provide a safe outlet for practicing giving and receiving caring messages. Ultimately, candy hearts aim to spread a little more kindness and connection with loved ones and friends.

Though their sayings evolved with the times, Sweethearts conversation candies have allowed generations to exchange sweet sentiments for over 150 years - and that enduring tradition continues spreading sweetness today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.