The candy cane, a familiar sweet treat, is a staple of the holiday season and has a rich tradition in Christmas celebrations worldwide. With its distinctive shape, vivid red and white stripes, and refreshing peppermint flavour, the candy cane is more than just a confection; it’s a symbol of Christmas and the holiday spirit.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on UnsplashCandy Canes History
The origin of the candy cane dates back to Europe, around the 17th century. The exact details are somewhat shrouded in folklore and myth, but one of the most popular stories is that the candy cane was first created by a choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
The choirmaster was said to have bent straight candy sticks into the shape of a shepherd’s crook to keep children quiet during the lengthy nativity service.
The ‘J’ shape also allegedly represented the name of Jesus. However, it should be noted that these origins are largely anecdotal, and concrete historical evidence is sparse.
Photo by Isabella Fischer on UnsplashCandy Canes in the 20th Century
The candy cane started out as a simple white stick of sugar candy. The iconic red stripes didn’t appear until the 20th century. It’s not entirely clear how or why the stripes were added, but they have become an integral part of the candy cane’s design.
Some believe the white represents purity or sinlessness, while the red stripes symbolise Christ’s sacrifice. Again, this interpretation is more folklore than fact.
Promotional card by William B Steenberge – early 1900sIn America, the candy cane became popular in the 19th century, associated with Christmas by German immigrants who brought their tradition to the new land.
The first recipe for a peppermint candy cane appeared in the 1844 “The Complete Confectioner, Pastry Cook, and Baker” by Eleanor Parkinson. By the mid-20th century, the candy cane had become a common sight during the holiday season.
Photo by Debby Hudson on UnsplashCustoms around Candy Canes
Today, candy canes are used in a variety of ways during the Christmas season. They are hung on Christmas trees as ornaments, distributed as gifts, and used as decoration in a variety of holiday crafts.
They also feature prominently in holiday recipes, such as peppermint bark and candy cane cookies.
Some people also take part in “candy cane hunts,” a festive variation on Easter egg hunts where children search for hidden candy canes. There’s even a National Candy Cane Day in the United States, observed annually on December 26th.
Despite their simple design, candy canes have become a complex symbol of the holiday season. For many, they evoke memories of family gatherings, gift exchanges, and the warmth of the holiday spirit. The candy cane, in its striped simplicity, is a small but significant part of Christmas tradition.
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