A candy cane is a cane -shaped stick candy often associated with Christmastide [1] as well as Saint Nicholas Day. [2] The canes are traditionally white with red stripes and flavored with peppermint, but the canes also come in a variety of other flavors and colors. The original candy canes were white and straight, with no stripes or curves.
It wasn't until the early 20th century that the iconic red and white stripes became popular. Candy canes are a classic symbol of Christmas, but few people know the origins of the candy and how it became a cherished part of Christmas tradition. Candy canes, those striped, twisted, and tantalizing treats that fill our stockings during the holiday season, are a staple of Christmas celebrations around the world.
But have you ever wondered about their original color? Before the days of bright red and white candy canes, they looked quite different. In fact, they were more like modern-day fruit sticks! The History of Candy Cane The original candy cane was made 350 years ago. Over time the candy cane has become a symbol and tradition during the Christmas holiday, used as a decoration for Christmas trees.
The first candy cane was not made in the shape of a cane. It was white, completely straight and only flavored with sugar. Red stripes and peppermint flavor were added as a result to appeal to a mass audience and the popularity of candy canes skyrocketed from there.
According to the National Confectioners Association, 76 billion candy canes are now produced in the United States every year! These days, you can find candy canes in various colors, sizes, and even flavors. First, let's start by dispelling a somewhat popular myth that more or less goes like this: The white base color of the candy cane symbolizes Jesus' purity; the red stripes symbolize Jesus' blood when he died on the cross; and the J shape was chosen to represent the J in Jesus. While that makes a great candy cane origin story, there is about as much evidence to back this up as there is.
Candy canes. Photo Credit In 1847, a German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgard of Wooster, Ohio, decorated a small blue spruce with paper ornaments and candy canes. At that time the candy canes were completely white in color.
At the end of the 19th century, the red and white stripes and peppermint flavors became the norm. Candy canes. Photo.
In conclusion, the red and white colors of candy canes have a rich history and symbolism. The red color represents the blood of Christ, love, joy, and celebration, while the white color represents purity, innocence, and peace. The original candy canes created in Germany in the 17th century were made with red and white stripes, and this design has been retained to this day.
However, the meaning and symbolism behind the colors have evolved over time.