The Sweet Story of the Candycane’s Stripes

Oh, the sweet and joyful candycane! A staple of the winter holidays, this delicious treat has been cherished by children and adults alike for over a century. But have you ever wondered why candycanes have those iconic red and white stripes? Well, the answer is just as sweet as the candy itself.

Legend has it that the candycane was invented by a German choirmaster in the late 1600s. He wanted to give his young choristers something to keep them quiet during the long Christmas service, so he asked a local candy maker to create a special treat. The candy maker came up with a stick of hard candy in the shape of a shepherd’s crook, to remind the children of the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus.

But the candycane we know and love today didn’t come into being until much later. The red and white stripes were added in the early 1900s by the Bob’s Candy Company in Indiana, USA. They wanted to make the candycane more visually appealing, so they added the stripes and started packaging them in clear cellophane wrappers. And thus, a beloved holiday tradition was born!

From Peppermint Sticks to Symbolic Stripes

Over time, the candycane has taken on a deeper symbolic meaning. The red stripes are said to represent the blood of Christ, who was born to die for our sins. The white stripes represent his purity and innocence. Together, they form a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

And the joy doesn’t stop there! The candycane has also inspired countless variations, from rainbow-colored swirls to flavored twists. You can find candycanes in everything from classic peppermint to fruity flavors like watermelon and grape. And let’s not forget about all the fun crafts and activities you can do with candycanes, like making candycane reindeer or using them to decorate your Christmas tree.

So this holiday season, as you savor the sweet taste of a candycane, remember the joyful story behind its stripes. Let it remind you of the true meaning of Christmas, and all the sweetness and light that this time of year brings.