Origin of the Candy Cane

A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be indicative of Christmas(s), so he made the Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, life and death of Christ.  He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy.

White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus and Mary; and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of His Church, and firmness of the promises of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior.  It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He travles down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes.  He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed.  The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane -- a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who "have eyes to see." 

 

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