Candy Canes
Candy canes are in integral party of the holiday season, as both candies and decorations. Children and adults both love their minty flavor and distinct red-and-white stripes. But, when did the tradition of candy canes begin?
Over the years, there have been several theories as to the origin of candy canes. Unfortunately, several of these explanations have since been disproved. Here are a few of the reasons that turned out to be "urban" legends:
Candy canes represent Jesus Christ: False.
It has been argued that the candy cane was first designed for religious purposes. According to this theory, the candy cane was formed to appear like the letter "J" for Jesus Christ, and the firm texture was thought to represent the strong foundation of religious faith. Furthermore, the colors were believed to be chosen for religious reasons as well: White was thought to represent purity and red was thought to represent the blood shed on the cross as well as healing. The mint flavor was even believed to be chosen because the herb hyssop was mentioned in the Old Testament. Unfortunately, historical facts have proven to be inconsistent with this hypothesis and it has been debunked.
Candy canes were developed as a symbol for persecuted Christians: False
Another argument for the history of candy canes has been that candy canes were developed so that persecuted Christians could identify with each other in Europe. The fact that candy canes did not appear in Europe until the 17th century, a time when Christianity was very widespread and certainly not a persecuted minority, makes this possibility quite unlikely. Another false explanation!
So how did candy canes arise?
In Europe, as early as the 17th century there was a confection very similar to the candy cane: an all-white, straight candy stick. This candy stick was already being used as a holiday decoration. The stick was thought to have been morphed into its current "hook" shape back in Germany. People have again argued that the decision to bend the cane into the hook shape occurred for religious reasons, in this case to make the candy look like a shepherds staff, as they were commonly given out to children at church. Others, however, have argued that the decision was simply to make it more convenient to hang the candy cane from Christmas trees, as they were being used for a holiday decoration.
It wasn't until the 1900s that the candy cane gained its stripes. This was achieved by a candymaker in Georgia, Bob McCormick, who formed the stripes using a twisting technique. At around this time, the predominant flavor of the candy cane became the familiar peppermint and wintergreen mix.
Candy canes have through the years become a part of our holiday tradition. Let's continue to enjoy them!
