Apr

National Licorice Day April 12

National Licorice Day April 12

Have you ever bitten into a piece of licorice and wondered about its journey from an ancient remedy to a beloved candy? National Licorice Day, celebrated on April 12, offers a sweet opportunity to dive into the rich tapestry of licorice's history. From its roots in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it served as a panacea for various ailments, to its modern incarnation as a sought-after treat, licorice has traversed a fascinating path. Introduced to the American palate in 1822 by a German immigrant, this sweet root quickly became a staple in the candy aisles, with brands like Choward's and Twizzlers turning it into an iconic snack. This day isn't just about indulging in your favorite licorice twist; it's a celebration of centuries of history, culture, and sweet innovation.

Key Takeaway

National Licorice Day is observed on April 12 in the United States, celebrating the history and popularity of licorice candy.
Licorice has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes and as a flavoring agent, with the first recorded production in the US in 1822.

Timeline

1908
First Licorice Candy Factory
The first licorice candy factory, the Blackwell Licorice Candy Company, was established in Chicago.
1914
Pontefract Cakes
Pontefract cakes, a type of licorice candy, were first produced in England.
1925
Twizzlers
Twizzlers, a licorice-flavored candy, was introduced by Hershey's.
1930
Good & Plenty
Good & Plenty, the oldest branded candy in the United States, was introduced. It is a licorice candy with a candy-coated shell.
1946
Red Vines
Red Vines, a licorice-flavored rope candy, was introduced by the American Licorice Company.
1966
Licorice Allsorts
Licorice Allsorts, a mixture of different types of licorice, were first produced in England.
2011
National Licorice Day
National Licorice Day was first celebrated on April 12.

Day Activities

  1. Kick off National Licorice Day with a sweet start by hosting a licorice tasting party. Invite friends and family to sample a variety of licorice flavors from around the globe. From the traditional black licorice to more exotic tastes like strawberry, cherry, and even salted varieties, there's something to tickle everyone's taste buds. Make sure to include some fun facts about licorice's ancient origins and its journey to becoming a beloved treat in the modern world.

  2. Dive into DIY licorice crafts for a hands-on activity that's as creative as it is delicious. Whip up homemade licorice candies using simple recipes found online, or get crafty by making licorice-inspired jewelry and art. This is a fantastic way to engage kids and adults alike, teaching them the art of candy making while also offering a peek into the culinary science behind this sweet confection. Plus, who can resist the chance to taste their own creations?

  3. Wrap up the day with a licorice-themed movie night. Choose films that, in some way, feature candy or have a sweet theme. Prepare a cozy viewing area and lay out a spread of various licorice treats alongside other movie snacks. This is the perfect way to unwind after a day filled with sweet adventures, allowing everyone to relax, enjoy some good films, and maybe even discover a new favorite licorice flavor.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating a Sweet Tradition: National Licorice Day isn't just about chowing down on some chewy goodness; it's a nod to a tradition that's been around since the days of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Who wouldn't love a day that honors a treat with such a storied past? Plus, it's a perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite licorice, be it black, red, or any of the rainbow of flavors available today.

  • A Taste of History: Did you know that licorice has been sweetening our lives for thousands of years? That's right, from soothing sore throats to sweetening breath, licorice has been there. National Licorice Day gives us a chance to appreciate not just the candy we enjoy today but also its journey through history. It's fascinating to think about how something as simple as a root could become a beloved treat across centuries and continents.

  • Licorice Lovers Unite: On April 12, licorice lovers from all walks of life come together to celebrate their favorite candy. It's a day filled with sweetness, where fans can share their best licorice recipes, their fondest memories of enjoying licorice, and even discover new favorites. Whether you're a fan of the classic black licorice or you're more into the fruity varieties, National Licorice Day is the perfect time to connect with fellow enthusiasts and spread the love for this timeless treat.

Past & Future Dates

MonthDayYear
APRIL122022
APRIL122023
APRIL122024
APRIL122025
APRIL122026
APRIL122027
APRIL122028

FAQ

Why do we celebrate National Licorice Day?

This is a national day where licorice lovers have full permission to enjoy their favorite treats. Originally created to celebrate black licorice in all its forms, this holiday also recognizes the history, health benefits, and universality of licorice around the world.

What national holiday is on April 12th?

National Only Child Day falls on April 12th, shining a spotlight on those who grow up as the solo kid in their families. It's a day to celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives that come from not having siblings.

Is April 12th national only child day?

On April 12th, National Only Child Day celebrates the individual child, the siblingless, the one and onlies. You know who you are. There are more of you these days than in decades before.

What national day is it on April 12, 2024?

National days on Fri Apr 12th, 2024. It's Day of Silence, International Day for Street Children, International Day of Human Space Flight, National For Twelves Day, National Only Don't forget to join the worldwide tributes!



Also Happens on April 12

Public Holidays on April 12

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On This Day in History — April 12

  • 2017 — Zuma Must Fall protests resume in South Africa, with Julius Malema addressing large crowds in Pretoria.[1]
  • 2014 — The Great Fire of Valparaíso ravages the Chilean city of Valparaíso, killing 16, displacing nearly 10,000, and destroying over 2,000 homes.
  • 2013 — Two suicide bombers kill three Chadian soldiers and injure dozens of civilians at a market in Kidal, Mali.
  • 2009 — Zimbabwe officially abandons the Zimbabwean dollar as its official currency.
  • 2007 — A suicide bomber penetrates the Green Zone and detonates in a cafeteria within a parliament building, killing Iraqi MP Mohammed Awad and wounding more than twenty other people.
  • 2002 — A suicide bomber blows herself up at the entrance to Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda Market, killing seven people and wounding 104.

More about history on this day →

Notable Births on April 12

  • 1996 — Elizaveta Kulichkova, Russian tennis player
  • 1995 — Brenda Villa, Mexican Lawyer
  • 1995 — Pedro Cachín, Argentine tennis player
  • 1994 — Isabelle Drummond, Brazilian actress and singer
  • 1994 — Saoirse Ronan, American-born Irish actress
  • 1994 — Oh Sehun, South Korean musician

Notable Deaths on April 12

  • 2017 — Charlie Murphy, American actor and comedian (b. 1959)
  • 2016 — Anne Jackson, American actress (b. 1925)
  • 2016 — Mohammad Al Gaz Emirati politician & diplomat (b. 1930)
  • 2015 — Paulo Brossard, Brazilian jurist and politician (b. 1924)
  • 2015 — Patrice Dominguez, Algerian-French tennis player and trainer (b. 1950)
  • 2015 — Alfred Eick, German commander (b. 1916)