Candy Canes

Christian Legends of Candy Canes

An abundance of myths surround the meaning and making of the candy canes. Although no historical evidence has been found to support these legends, Christians everywhere subscribe to these beliefs. A variety of symbols are found in the candy cane.

The shape of the candy cane is said to represent a shepherd’s staff because Jesus was the shepherd of Christians. Additionally, a candy cane positioned upside-down is representative of the letter “J.”

The white in candy canes is said to represent Jesus’s purity. Additionally, it stands for the virginity of his mother Mary.

Red stripes have several meanings. Some say the thicker red stripes represent God’s love or the blood shed by Jesus on the cross. The three thin red stripes are said to represent the blows from whips that Jesus received on the cross; or, they stand for the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The peppermint flavoring is based on references to an herb called hyssop in the Old Testament, which tasted similar to peppermint.

Finally, some say that candy canes came to represent a “secret symbol” of Christianity during a time when Christians were persecuted for their beliefs. This is especially unlikely due to the fact that by the time candy canes made their appearance, around the 17th century, Christianity was the prevailing religion.

Although these theories are purely myth, Christians and other religious groups have been perpetrating them for years. Most religious leaders feel there is nothing wrong in seeing Christian symbolism in the candy cane, because for them, Christmas is about Christ.

The Most Likely Origin of Candy Canes

Despite the many myths surrounding candy canes, the most likely origin of the candy cane was in Germany. During a Christmas service at Cologne Cathedral in 1670, the choirmaster took a white candy stick and bent it to look like a shepherd’s staff to keep the children busy during the long service.

This practice then spread throughout Europe and to the Americas. Because cookies and candy were often used to decorate Christmas trees, canes soon followed.

The stripes began appearing around the turn of the 20th century, along with the mint flavoring.

In the 1950’s, Gregory Keller automated the process of candy-making, and so candy canes were widely available for consumption ever since.

Other Uses for Candy Canes

Candy canes are frequently used as a decorating tool. They can be found on Christmas cards, window decorations, ornaments, and on wrapping paper. People like to attach a cane with the tag and bow on Christmas presents to dress them up.

Using candy canes as a stocking stuffer is another popular use for the item. Teachers, parents, and friends often hand out candy canes to young children during the holidays.

Today, candy canes come in a variety of flavors. Spearmint, wintergreen, banana, assorted fruit, bubblegum, and cherry are some of the more popular flavors, as well as the traditional peppermint.

Visit Home4Christmas to find free candy cane clip art to use on your webpage or in your homemade Christmas card.

You can use candy canes in your everyday baking. Try adding crushed canes to brownies, or to chocolate sandwich cookies coated in almond bark. Put a candy cane in your coffee or hot chocolate to spice it up. Add pieces to cookies for a colorful and sweet treat.