As the holiday season approaches, one festive symbol stands out among the rest: the candy cane. With its unmistakable red-and-white striped design and sweet peppermint flavor, the candy cane has become an iconic treat synonymous with Christmas. But have you ever wondered about the origin of this beloved confection?
A Sweet Beginning: The story of the candy cane can be traced back to the 17th century in Europe. Its exact origins are shrouded in legend and folklore, but it is widely believed to have originated in Germany. Originally, the candy cane was shaped as a simple, straight stick.
Bend and Shape: It was not until the 1670s that the candy cane began to take on its distinctive curved shape, resembling a shepherd’s staff. According to popular belief, a choirmaster in the city of Cologne sought to keep children quiet during long Christmas Eve services. In an effort to sweeten their experience, he asked the local confectioner to shape the candies into hooks, symbolizing shepherd’s staffs. The iconic red-and-white stripes that we associate with candy canes today did not appear until much later. The first visual evidence of these stripes can be found in the 1800s.
The American Influence: In the late 19th century, candy canes made their way across the Atlantic and gained popularity in the United States. The widespread use of candy canes during Christmas celebrations can be attributed to German immigrants. The candies quickly became a staple on Christmas trees, and their popularity soared. Today, candy canes come in a variety of flavors, sizes, and colors, but the traditional peppermint-flavored red-and-white candy canes continue to be the all-time favorite, it has become a cherished symbol of the holiday season.
Spreading Joy and Sweetness: Today, the candy cane remains an enduring symbol of Christmas, adorning Christmas trees, hanging from stockings, and delighting both young and old. Whether you enjoy them as a traditional treat or embrace the ever-growing variety of flavors and designs, the candy cane continues to bring joy and sweetness to the holiday festivities.
The Chocolate Truffle makes its own candy canes in-house. When asked what is your favorite candy to make the owner Craig states; ” Candy canes are my favorite… Our candy canes are made using a time-honored recipe and made completely by hand. The process requires swift hands, a warm kitchen and complete attention to the details. My love of making candy canes goes beyond the piece itself and really encompasses the tradition.”
As the holiday season approaches, take a moment to appreciate the candy cane’s journey from a simple sugar stick to a cherished holiday treat. This candy is a testament to the endurance of traditions and the sweetness they bring to our lives.
