Candy canes, with their iconic red and white stripes and peppermint flavor, are among the most recognizable symbols of Christmas. These sweet treats seem to show up everywhere during the holidays, from hanging on Christmas trees to flavoring festive drinks. But what’s the story behind this seasonal candy?
The Origins of the Candy Cane
The history of the candy cane dates back to the 17th century in Europe. According to popular accounts, it was first created as a way to keep children quiet during long church services. A choirmaster in Germany is believed to have requested that local candy makers create a sweet stick that could be given to young children. He had them bent into the shape of a shepherd’s crook, to resemble the shepherds who visited baby Jesus, adding a touch of religious symbolism to what would otherwise be a simple treat. This shape later became associated with the Christmas season as the candy became a common church tradition.
The Symbolism of Colors and Shape
Over time, the candy cane’s simple white design evolved into the striped version we know today. The red and white stripes are often said to represent different aspects of Christian symbolism. The white stands for purity and the sinless nature of Jesus, while the red is believed to symbolize the blood of Christ. Although there is no official documentation confirming this symbolic intent, this explanation has become widely shared.
Additionally, the shape of the candy cane is sometimes seen as a “J” for Jesus, reinforcing its connection to Christian symbolism. Turned upside down, however, it also resembles a shepherd’s staff, tying it back to the nativity story and the shepherds who came to witness Jesus’s birth.
Candy Canes in America: A Holiday Tradition
The candy cane tradition spread through Europe and eventually made its way to the United States in the 19th century. American candy makers began producing them on a larger scale, adding the now-familiar peppermint flavoring and distinctive red stripes. By the early 20th century, candy canes were firmly established as a Christmas treat in America, with families decorating trees and homes with them.
Commercialization and Widespread Popularity
Candy canes became commercially popular in the mid-1900s, especially as companies like Bob’s Candies (one of the first to mass-produce candy canes) made them widely available and even perfected automated processes to shape and stripe the candy. Their association with Christmas was solidified as they became a staple in holiday décor and gifting, fitting in perfectly with the festive red and white color scheme.
A Sweet Tradition
Today, candy canes are more than just treats; they’re decorative symbols of Christmas that carry stories of faith, tradition, and holiday cheer. The peppermint flavor and iconic shape of the candy cane have cemented its role as a Christmas classic, bridging the story of the season with the spirit of celebration.
So, whether as a snack, a tree ornament, or a peppermint stirrer for hot cocoa, candy canes continue to bring sweetness and joy to the Christmas season, one stripe at a time.