Annual observance

National Jelly Bean Day

April 22 Kindness / Community Updated 2025-12-17

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

National Jelly Bean Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a delightful occasion dedicated to honoring the small, colorful, and flavorful sugar-shelled candies. It encourages enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite jelly bean flavors, discover new ones, and share these iconic sweets with friends and family. The day serves as a sweet reminder to appreciate the wide variety and history of this beloved confectionery.

Observed each year on April 22, National Jelly Bean Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National Jelly Bean Day on April 22 celebrates the joy of sharing and indulging in a beloved treat that has connected communities since the Civil War. This holiday highlights the importance of sweetness and variety in our lives, fostering connections among friends, family, and coworkers through shared experiences.

Origin and story

The earliest known mention of jelly beans in an advertisement dates back to 1861, encouraging people to send them to Union soldiers during the American Civil War.

Jelly beans became widely associated with Easter in the United States around the late 19th century, likely due to their egg-like shape and springtime colors.

Quick facts

  • DateApril 22
  • TypeKindness / Community
  • Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers

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Ways to celebrate

  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the kindness / community vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Share a feel-good story tied to the observance.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why National Jelly Bean Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Send a kind note or shout-out to someone who fits the theme.
  • Bring National Jelly Bean Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.

Fun facts

  • The earliest known mention of jelly beans in an advertisement dates back to 1861, encouraging people to send them to Union soldiers during the American Civil War.
  • Jelly beans became widely associated with Easter in the United States around the late 19th century, likely due to their egg-like shape and springtime colors.
  • Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan was famously fond of jelly beans, reportedly keeping them in the Oval Office and even using them to help quit smoking.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is National Jelly Bean Day?
It is observed on April 22 each year.
What is National Jelly Bean Day?
National Jelly Bean Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a delightful occasion dedicated to honoring the small, colorful, and flavorful sugar-shelled candies. It encourages enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite jelly bean flavors, discover new ones, and share these iconic sweets with friends and family. The day serves as a sweet reminder to appreciate the wide variety and history of this beloved confectionery.
How do people celebrate National Jelly Bean Day?
Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the kindness / community vibe and make it a mini tradition.

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