There are probably few candies more widely consumed around Valentine's Day than Sweethearts. The cheap, chalky candy in a box of Necco Sweethearts comes stamped with a tiny messages that seem to evolve every year with the introduction of new slang, pick-up lines, and styles of communication. In this short video, CNN takes a closer look at this iconic holiday sweet and how the candy messages have changed since their introduction 150 years ago.
Originally called "Conversation Candies," Sweethearts were introduced to the market in 1866. The 19th century messages seem adorably quaint and even a little weird in comparison to the "Tweet Me" and "Me + You" stamps of today. "Strike while the iron is hot," declares one motivational statement. "May I see you home after the circus?" requests another rather specific candy in the shape of a postcard. Learn more about Sweetheart's charming history of Valentine's messages in the video above.
