The First Time I Met a Buckeye
I’ll admit it: the first time someone handed me a buckeye, I thought it was a rock. A shiny, chocolate-brown rock with a lighter spot on top. I was in Ohio, trying to look like I knew what I was doing, but inside I was panicking. Was I supposed to eat this? Keep it as a souvenir? Or—heaven forbid—plant it?
That moment taught me something humbling: sometimes the simplest cultural symbols can feel like secret codes. And if you’ve ever felt out of place, staring at something everyone else seems to understand, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
So, What Is a Buckeye?
At its core, a buckeye is two things:
The Nut: It comes from the Ohio buckeye tree (Aesculus glabra). The nut is glossy brown with a tan spot, resembling the eye of a deer—hence the name “buckeye.” Fun fact: the nut itself is toxic if eaten raw.
The Candy: A beloved Midwestern treat made of peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter exposed on top to mimic the nut’s look.
Ohioans proudly call themselves “Buckeyes,” and the Ohio State University football team carries the name with fierce loyalty. The nut has become a symbol of good luck, often carried in pockets or given as charms.
My First Mistake With Buckeyes
Here’s where I confess my blunder: I once tried to crack open a real buckeye nut with my teeth. (Yes, you can laugh.) I thought it was like a chestnut. Spoiler: it’s not. My jaw hurt for days, and I learned the hard way that not everything that looks edible is meant to be eaten.
Lesson learned: appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes it’s better to ask questions than to pretend you know the answer. That’s a principle that applies far beyond nuts and candies.
Did You Know?
The buckeye tree is the official state tree of Ohio.
Native Americans once used buckeye extracts for medicinal purposes, though the raw nut is poisonous.
The first buckeye candies were made in the 1960s by Ohio homemakers before becoming a regional staple.
Ohio State fans often wear necklaces made of dried buckeye nuts to games.
Why Buckeyes Matter Beyond Ohio
You don’t have to be from the Midwest to connect with the symbolism of a buckeye. At its heart, it’s about identity, tradition, and belonging. Carrying a buckeye in your pocket is like carrying a piece of home, a reminder that you’re part of something bigger.
And isn’t that what we all want? To feel rooted, even when life feels chaotic. To have a symbol—whether it’s a nut, a recipe, or a family story—that reminds us who we are.
The 3-Day Buckeye Experiment
If you’re curious about weaving a little “buckeye energy” into your own life, here’s a personal challenge:
Day 1 – Find Your Symbol: Pick a small object that represents home, comfort, or identity for you. It doesn’t have to be a buckeye—maybe it’s a seashell, a coin, or a photo.
Day 2 – Carry It With You: Keep it in your pocket or bag. Notice how it feels to have a tangible reminder of your roots.
Day 3 – Share the Story: Tell someone why you chose it. You’ll be surprised how sharing a symbol can spark deeper conversations.
My Second Buckeye Struggle
When I finally tried the candy version, I made another mistake: I ate six in one sitting. Peanut butter and chocolate are my kryptonite. I felt sick, but I also realized something important—sometimes we overindulge in the things that comfort us, forgetting that balance is part of the lesson.
Lesson learned: symbols are powerful, but they’re not meant to overwhelm us. They’re reminders, not replacements, for the deeper connections we build with people and places.
Common Questions About Buckeyes
Q: Can you eat a real buckeye nut?
A: No. Raw buckeye nuts are toxic and should not be eaten.
Q: Why are Ohioans called Buckeyes?
A: The nickname dates back to the 1800s, when the buckeye tree became a state symbol.
Q: How do you make buckeye candy?
A: Mix peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar into balls, chill, then dip in melted chocolate—leaving a circle of peanut butter exposed.
Coming Full Circle
Remember that first moment when I held a buckeye and had no idea what it was? Now, I see it differently. It’s not just a nut or a candy—it’s a reminder that confusion can lead to curiosity, and curiosity can lead to connection.
So, what is a buckeye? It’s a symbol of identity, tradition, and the small joys that tie us together. And maybe, just maybe, it’s also a reminder that we don’t have to know everything right away.
Your turn: Have you ever stumbled into a tradition you didn’t understand at first? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it.