The History of Candy Canes: The Myth, and the Legend
Peppermint sticks were originally among the food decorations that were made exclusively for Christmas tree beginnings well over 400 years ago. They were long sticks of peppermint, rather than the canes we are used to now. The sticks were simply balanced on the Christmas Tree branches.
The hooked candy cane came later:
The first historical reference to the familiar cane shape goes back to 1670, when the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, bent the sugar-sticks into canes to represent a shepherd’s staff. The all-white candy canes were given out to children during the long-winded nativity services.
Clergymen could have passed out peppermint canes shaped like a shephards staff or perhaps people realized canes hung on trees better that sticks.  In any case, candy canes make a rather good treat.
There is no historical evidence to support the various religious claims pertaining to the “J for Jesus” shape or the colors signifying Jesus’ blood and purity, though for some people this interpretation does contribute to the modern symbolism of the treat.
December 11, 2008
Tags: food, trivia Posted in: Fun Food Facts
One Response
I meant to comment on this earlier and became side tracked. Anyway, I’m happy for this posting as I was just arguing with a co-worker just the other day who was amazed by her 3 year old that Jesus was behind the candy cane, and I was arguing with her that I believed it was an assigned meaning and not necessarily the reason behind the creation of the candy.
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