The Origin of Candy Canes (And Their Ties to Christianity)

Author:
Cheryl E Preston
Updated:
Oct 20, 2024

Candy Canes Are a Holiday Staple

Candy canes are a staple of the holiday season, but how much do you really know about them? Unsurprisingly, more of these candies are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas than at any other time of the year. Many people use them as decorations on Christmas trees, while others give them as treats. The sugary sticks used to exist exclusively in red and white but can now be found in various colors.

When Were Candy Canes Invented?

The candy cane is believed to have been created by a German choirmaster who gave white candy sticks to unruly choirboys to keep them quiet. Allegedly, the church board did not think sugary sticks were appropriate, so the choirmaster added the hook shape and said they represented a shepherd's staff. This was more acceptable because the Bible featured stories of shepherds who were the first to hear the news of Christ's birth.

Susan Benjamin of True Treats Historic Candy says that the hook in the candy was added sometime around the 17th century in Germany. Still, she states that it is impossible to know for sure who made this modification.

The candies are often handed out with cards that explain their religious significance.

When Did Candy Canes Become Associated With Christmas?

During the 20th century, red stripes and peppermint flavors were added to the candy in the United States. A magazine called Nursery Monthly mentioned that the candies were associated with Christmas in 1874. In 1882, a magazine called Babyland mentioned them being hung on Christmas trees.

Controversy

Decades ago, children used to receive them in church and at school during Christmas time. The separation of church and state is being enforced now more than ever, so religious decorations of any kind are banned in most public schools.

In 2018, Jennifer Sinclair, a Nebraska principal, banned these candies because she said they were shaped like a J to represent Jesus. Sinclair was placed on leave and did not return to her job. She had probably heard that the red and white striped sugar canes stood for the blood of Christ and His resurrection.

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At first, they were white. Later on, the red stripes and peppermint flavor were added. Nowadays, they come in a variety of colors and flavors.

Are Candy Canes Religious Symbols?

For many individuals, the candy cane is a holiday treat with no religious connotations. On the other hand, it is common for churches to pass them out at Christmas with a small card attached that tells a story.

The card typically alleges that the cane is in the shape of a J to honor the birth of Jesus. For this reason, many people believe this to be a fact. Susan Benjamin disagrees and calls this religious view an urban legend with no basis in reality. Even so, every year during the holiday season, the story is told that the candy cane is a J for Jesus when held in one direction and a shepherd's staff (to honor the shepherds who went to Bethlehem to see the Christ child in the manger) when held in the other direction.

There is also a tale that says the red and white stripes represent the blood of Christ and His making us pure through His resurrection. Snopes says these stories are urban legends, but this doesn't stop those who believe in the symbolism.

What Do Candy Canes Mean to You?

Like beauty, the meaning of a candy cane is in the eye of the beholder. Those who see the candy as a simple treat do not care much about where it originated or why. Believers who desire to see Christ as the message behind this sugary snack will continue to do so. Whether it is a fact or fancy, using these candies to tell the story of the birth and resurrection of Christ is a beautiful way to spread the gospel. Please consider passing this on during this holiday season.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.