Candy Canes

Candy canes have become an almost integral part of the holidays. What no one seems to know, though, is where they came from.

Peppermint sticks have been around since at least the early 1800’s. There are many colorful stories about the origin of our modern candy canes, with the traditional white and red stripes, but the truth is that not a single one of these stories is well documented enough to call fact.

Christians have taught, since possibly as far back as the early 1900’s, that the red and white candy cane is a symbol for Jesus. Traditionally, the “J” shape stands for Jesus and doubles as a shepherd’s crook, signifying Christ being the Good Shepherd. The red stripes represent his blood and the white stripes represent how His blood makes us pure.

Though the origin of the candy is disputed, every year, when hanging these little sweets on Christmas trees and stuffing them in stockings, families all over the world use them to share the importance and meaning behind Christ’s sacrifice.

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5