One of the most popular confectionary staples of the Christmas season definitely has to be the candy cane. The candy cane has an interesting history in addition to being a tasty holiday treat. If you’re a candy cane fan, you definitely want to read this.
A Candy Cane of Any Other Color…
While candy canes now come in every flavor and color imaginable, candy canes traditionally were made in the basic red and white striped pattern. The candy cane is said to have originated in Indiana by a candy maker who developed the treat as a representation of his beliefs.
He made the candy cane hard to represent the recurring theme of “the rock” in Christianity. The colors of the candy cane are also symbolic of Christian ideas. The white is intended to represent the virgin birth of Jesus. Red during Christmas time is supposed to represent Jesus’ blood and that is why it was included in the candy cane.
Traditional candy canes have three small stripes, and these stripes are intended to represent the Holy Trinity, a Christian belief that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one and the same.
Candy Canes Go Mainstream
It wasn’t until the 1950s that candy canes were able to be mass produced thanks to Gregory Keller, a Catholic priest, who invented a machine to simplify the process. Now, candy canes can be made very easily and are sold in grocery stores and candy stores nationwide.
Nowadays, there is no shortage of candy canes. Candy canes are sold at many retailers and come in almost every possible flavor a candy lover would want. Candy canes also come in a smaller, miniature size as well, and mini candy canes are just as popular as the original. Candy canes also make a great decoration for your Christmas tree or can be used as a decorative element on the outside of your wrapped Christmas presents.
With Christmas approaching, you should definitely start stocking up on candy canes soon. After all, you can never have enough candy canes when Christmas comes.
