Are you old enough to remember birthday corsages with a candy theme? Were they even popular in your town? Candy corsages were the rage in the 1950s through the 1970s and there has been an effort to reestablish them among the younger set.
These corsages were made to resemble a floral corsage and might have even included flowers, but the most important part was the candy. They were designed for each of a girl's age and were symbolic of an aspect in her life. No one knows where the symbolism came from (except maybe for "sweet sixteen") but they are diverse and fun.
Perhaps these corsages were a regional thing... Metropolitan and suburban New York (to include northern New Jersey) seem to have the most references (and embarrassing photos) to this tradition with a few occurrences in small pockets throughout the U.S.
The only meanings available online are the following. If anyone knows the meanings for the missing years, please contact StarzJC@aol.com
Corsage Candies & Their Meanings
Age Candy Meaning
10 Lollipops Little Girl
11 Gumdrops ?
12 Tootsie Rolls ?
13 Bubble Gum ?
14 Dog Biscuits Puppy Love (the only non-candy symbol)
15 Lifesavers ?
16 Sugar Cubes Sweet Sixteen
17 Lemon Drops Sour Seventeen
18 Candy Cigarettes Coming of Age
It's doubtful that girls in these age groups in this day and age would understand or appreciate one of these corsages (or wristlets as a variation) for their birthday but they bring fond memories to those of us who do remember them and are thankful to friends who were thoughtful enough to make them for us to commemorate each birthday.
Image: Sweet 16 corsage with sugar cubes - Nature’s Corner Florist in Anderson, SC
These corsages were made to resemble a floral corsage and might have even included flowers, but the most important part was the candy. They were designed for each of a girl's age and were symbolic of an aspect in her life. No one knows where the symbolism came from (except maybe for "sweet sixteen") but they are diverse and fun.
Perhaps these corsages were a regional thing... Metropolitan and suburban New York (to include northern New Jersey) seem to have the most references (and embarrassing photos) to this tradition with a few occurrences in small pockets throughout the U.S.
The only meanings available online are the following. If anyone knows the meanings for the missing years, please contact StarzJC@aol.com
Corsage Candies & Their Meanings
Age Candy Meaning
10 Lollipops Little Girl
11 Gumdrops ?
12 Tootsie Rolls ?
13 Bubble Gum ?
14 Dog Biscuits Puppy Love (the only non-candy symbol)
15 Lifesavers ?
16 Sugar Cubes Sweet Sixteen
17 Lemon Drops Sour Seventeen
18 Candy Cigarettes Coming of Age
It's doubtful that girls in these age groups in this day and age would understand or appreciate one of these corsages (or wristlets as a variation) for their birthday but they bring fond memories to those of us who do remember them and are thankful to friends who were thoughtful enough to make them for us to commemorate each birthday.
Image: Sweet 16 corsage with sugar cubes - Nature’s Corner Florist in Anderson, SC