The evolution of the modern day hook candy cane is shrouded in mystery. Its creation is usually credited to a choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
Around 1670 the choirmaster bent the straight candy sticks into canes to represent a shepherd's crook. The canes where then distributed to children during the Living Crèche Ceremony. This practice spread throughout Europe and became a popular tradition. Man
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that candy canes received their familiar red stripe. Up until then candy canes were just pure white crooks.
Some people have attributed religious symbols to the delicious treat. To some the bold red stripes represent Jesus’s love. Others have attributed the J shape of the candy cane to represent the first letter in Jesus’s name. The hard candy is also said to be like the foundation of the church--solid like a rock.
Another origin story tagged on to candy canes finds the white candy sticks being contorted to hang from a Christmas tree. Whatever the true origin of the candy cane, the Christmastime treat has become a holiday classic and slides into the limelight every season.
