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The Sweetest Day for Everyone
By Nate | October 12, 2007
I’m an East Coast boy, so when I heard that we were getting ready for Sweetest Day, I didn’t know what to expect. Do I have to be extra-nice to my coworkers? Do I brace myself for a mandatory feast of sugary treats? Do I walk around talking like a snowboarder? “Dude…sweet! That’s soooo sweet!”
If you’re from the Midwest, you’re probably shaking your head sadly at my ignorance. For those of you who, like me, have hitherto been unaware of its existence, Sweetest Day is a tradition in states like Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana. It has an element of similarity to Valentine’s Day, but its scope is broader, aiming to spread some sweetness (not necessarily in the form of candy) to those who could use a little extra affection in their lives, and, of course, to loved ones as well.
Sweetest Day has been celebrated on the third Saturday of October going back to the 1920’s (the date varies a bit depending on whom you ask). It’s usually practiced as a direct-gift-giving kinda thing, but it can also lead to social gatherings. According to an article in the St. Petersburg Times:
In Great Lakes cities like Detroit and Cleveland, Sweetest Day dinners and dances are a regional tradition. The holiday has spread as Midwesterners have moved to other corners of the country.
It just so happens that I know some real Midwesterners, so I asked a buddy in Michigan if he had any memories or traditions for Sweetest Day. Rick tells me that his wife Jennifer is originally from the East Coast, which means that, as far as they’re both concerned…he’s totally off the hook for Sweetest Day! As for whether the day had an impact as he was growing up, Rick paints a more modest event. “I do remember my mom giving me Hershey kisses with my lunch and making heart-shaped pancakes.”
So it’s a tradition of kindness for those who need it, love for your loved ones, sometimes a get-together with friends or family, and sometimes just doing something small, sweet, and special for your sweet and special ones. I can get into that spirit. This October 20, I’m going to take a moment and do something special for my own sweetheart. Where’d I put that Maple syrup?
Postscript: Two other Michigan friends have a very special connection to Sweetest Day. It was 1993, and Becky had just graduated from Michigan State with her doctorate in veterinary medicine. Her first job out of school was over in Pennsylvania…which was a bummer for her boyfriend, Mike, still in Michigan.
Mike apparently didn’t deliberate too much. As he tells it:
Following her was one of the easiest decisions I ever made. I decided to drive out to Pennsylvania for a visit, and to deliver a marriage proposal. The weekend that worked best happened to be Sweetest Day, and I found a greeting card that basically proposed without actually saying the words “will you marry me?” I gave Becky the card, and then dropped to one knee. The rest is history…
Sweetest Day indeed. Cheers to Becky & Mike for a story that might inspire some legends and myths!
Topics: Special Occasions |