The Legend of the Candy Cane
by Candyce Carden
Most Christians have heard the legend of the candy cane. Various versions claim candy makers created the popular Christmas treat to remind us of the birth of Jesus and the Good News of the gospel.
History suggests otherwise.[1]
The precursor of today’s candy cane was sugar sticks, which originated in the 17th century. The solid white sticks became associated with Christmas in 1847 when August Imgard decorated a spruce tree with paper ornaments and the hard sticks. Imgard fastened the stick candy to the tree with string; the crook hadn’t yet emerged.
The first red and white striped candy canes appeared at the turn of the 20th century. At the same time, candy makers also added the tasty peppermint flavor we know today. By the 1920s, the red and white candy was popular at Christmas, but still handmade. It was a labor-intensive endeavor.
In the 1950s, Gregory Keller built a machine to automate candy cane production for his brother-in-law, Bob McCormick. Bob’s candy company was the first to produce and distribute the canes worldwide.
The Legend of the Candy Cane
Evidence says the candy cane was not created as an intentional Christian symbol.
Nevertheless, stories that analogize Jesus to the candy cane continue this time of year, especially in children’s curriculum. And that’s okay. Any technique that reminds us of God’s care, love, and sacrifice is worth continuing as long as it communicates biblical truths.
Nevertheless, stories that analogize Jesus to the candy cane continue this time of year, especially in children’s curriculum. And that’s okay. Any technique that reminds us of God’s care, love, and sacrifice is worth continuing as long as it communicates biblical truths.
After all, Jesus used parables (or stories) to teach spiritual truths using common objects, such as seeds, fish, weeds, and lost sheep, and other things we easily relate to.
Who couldn’t relate to the candy cane? It’s an eye-pleasing, mouth-watering attention-getter.
The candy cane can be a meaningful visual for teaching godly characteristics and the gospel. Just don’t start with, “Long ago, a candy maker wanted to make a candy to symbolize the true meaning of Christmas — ”
Unwrapping the Symbols of the Candy Cane
Christian writers often weave biblical messages with everyday objects to make a point or to instruct. It’s no surprise that creative Christians have found ways to use the candy cane to illustrate the Christmas story.
The shape is like a shepherd’s staff and represents God’s guidance and care for us.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10”11 NIV)
When we turn the cane upside down, we have the letter “J.” Our Savior’s name, Jesus, starts with the letter “J.”
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
The stripes represent the injuries inflicted on our Lord during his whipping, ultimately opening the door to our spiritual healing and salvation.
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV)
The red represents the blood Jesus shed for us. The white symbolizes the purity of Jesus, untarnished by sin.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV)
Although the creators of the candy cane probably didn’t intend religious symbols, we can view the candy cane as a reminder of the Christmas story, and give thanks for this gift.
For many, the candy cane is a secular symbol for the holidays simply because they are fun and delicious. But for Christians, the candy can serve a double purpose: a joyful reminder of what the season is all about and a delightful snack.
] https://www.candyhistory.net/candy-origin/candy-cane-history/
Photo Credit: bhofack2
Your Turn. What do you think? Share your opinion, a special memory involving the candy cane, or tell us if you prefer hard or soft peppermint.
Yum! My grandmother often had soft peppermint sticks on hand when we visited. To this day, they remain my favorite.
A Couple of Links You Might Enjoy:
A Candy Cane Poem, Bob’s Sweet Stripes Soft Peppermint
Wishing you peace, love, and a Candy Cane filled Christmas!
Thanks for reading!
Immersed in His Love,
Candyce
Thank you, Candyce! A wonderful reminder of God’s love for us. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I have a wooden ornament that is in the shape of a candy cane. Each year, when I pull it from the box and hang it on the tree, I’m reminded of the special couple I was with when I purchased it. The husband went to be with the Lord many years ago now. The wife moved away and I haven’t heard from her in a long time. The ornament reminds me of the many times we shared together and how much their friendship meant to me during those years.
Merry Christmas, Candyce.
Thank you for sharing, Terri. Many of my tree ornaments (and Christmas recipes) connect me to dear ones feom my past.
Merry Christmas to you!
Beautiful reminder of the Christmas spirit. Thanks and Merry Christmas Candyce.
Merry Christmas, Yvonne!
Candyce, thanks for this sweet history lesson. I have read some of this before, but it’s always great to find more information and be reminded of another way we can keep Christ in Christmas. My favorite is the soft peppermint. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Barbara! Thanks to a fellow soft peppermint lover for your comment
Merry Christmas!
Candyce