When Europeans started to put up Christmas trees, they also started making decorations for the tree. Originally food items were used, such as biscuits and sweets.
Plain sticks of white candy for decoration was probably first used during the 17th Century.
One Legend has it that the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral suggested them,
and had them made by local craftsmen to hand out to the children in the crèche to keep them quiet, and to stop them becoming restless during the services.
These were made from candy and in the shape of a shepherds crook. (also in the 17th Century)
This tradition has now spread throughout Europe
One of the more recent explanations of the candy cane's symbol is that
The ‘J’ shape is for Jesus and the staff of The Good Shepherd
White represents Jesus purity,
Red the blood he shed for our salvation,
Green for Jesus everlasting love.
Three red stripes for the Holy Trinity. (although not all canes have three stripes)
Whilst there is no evidence that these facts are true, explainations like this have become more popular over the years.
The candy cane remains a popular decoration and childrens sweet over the Christmas period.
THE CANDY CANE
Anonymous
A significant symbol of Christmas
Is the simple candy cane.
It's shape is the crook of the shepherd
One of the first who came.
The lively peppermint flavor is
The regal gift of spice.
The white is Jesus' purity.
The red is sacrifice.
The narrow stripes are friendship.
And the nearness of his love.
Eternal, sweet compassion
A gift from God above.
The candy cane reminds us all
of how much God cared.
And like His Christmas gift to use
It's meant to be broken and shared
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who's sinless and pure!
"J" is for Jesus,
My Lord, that's for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!