As the holidays approach and candy canes and other festive items reappear, we often don’t think about the origins of these items. In the case of candy canes, they are a bit of an unsolved mystery. Theories range from candy canes originating with Christian persecution to keeping kids quiet during church to German immigrants in America.
One of the most prominent, yet false, theory about candy canes is they originated as a secret symbol of Christianity during Christian persecution of the first century. Supposedly, the J shape represented Jesus, the white and red stripes represented Jesus’ purity and blood. There is little to no evidence for this theory, and Snopes, a well-regarded site that debunks common urban legends, checked it as false.
Another theory dates the candy canes’ origins to 1670s Germany. A German choirmaster gave sugar sticks in the shape of a hook to choir boys so they would stop talking. Susan Benjamin, a published author for culture and cuisine, says the hook was added to make “the stick resemble a staff.”
Though there isn’t much historical evidence to support this idea, Spangler, one of the largest candy cane makers in the US, puts the story on the back of every box they sell.
Though the exact origins of candy canes are unknown, white candy sticks and peppermint were commonplace in Europe during the 17th century. Un the U.S., the history of candy canes starts with German immigrant August Imgard. In 1847, he decorated Christmas trees with candy canes and began the popularization of candy canes in the U.S.
The oldest candy cane maker in the U.S. is Doscher’s Candy, founded in 1871; it remains in business and sells candy canes to this day.
Though the history of candy canes is unclear, their presence in the modern day is undeniable. When Arvin Basnal, an avid candy enthusiast and Skyline student, was asked what he associates most with Christmas, he responded, “candy canes.”
For more information:
Candy Canes Are Everywhere During Christmas. Here’s Why.
