Do you enjoy Candy canes around Christmas? Whether as a treat or to decorate with, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the traditional candy cane!
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I was reading stories with my kids and talking about Christmas when I remembered a Christmas story I heard when I was a child.
“The Candymaker’s Gift” is a story that explains how the candy cane represents Jesus and I remember loving it as soon as I heard it. I hadn’t thought of it in years but my oldest loves candy canes so it was brought to mind once again.
Of course, I couldn’t find a copy to purchase, other than on Amazon, but I did find a YouTube link so we could listen to the story.
History of the Candy Cane
I was curious about how accurate the story was so did a little digging myself.
It turns out the origins of the sugared candy date back to the 17th century when candy was bent into the shape of shepherd’s hooks and given to children to help them sit through ceremonies at the Cologne cathedral.
It wasn’t until mid 1800’s that they were used at Christmas time and not until the 1900s that red colouring and peppermint flavouring were added.
The thing that I like the most is how candy canes represent Jesus.
Share this post to tell them about the meaning of the candy cane!
Jesus’ Representation in This Sweet Treat
Depending on which way you turn the candy cane, it can be a shepherd’s hook, just like Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Or you can flip it the other way and it looks like a “J” (for Jesus!)
The hardness of the candy is meant to represent His solid foundation.
The peppermint flavouring originates from hyssop, which is often referred to in the old Testament as a means of cleansing or purifying (see Psalm 51:7).
The white colouring also represents Jesus’ purity, while the red represents the blood He shed for us on the cross. The 3 lines are the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
So much packed into a small piece of sugar!
Free Download
What a wonderful way to share the story of Jesus with other’s at Christmas time. I have a freebie for you to print and tie to these candy pieces and hand out!
Remembering Jesus
Christmas can be a busy season, but there is so much to remind us about what it is really about. The simple candy cane is one such reminder.
The next time you see a candy cane, think about it’s meaning. Be reminded that the peace of the season came in the form of a baby who saved the world!
Share candy canes with neighbours, friends and family and pray they are blessed by the Christmas story this year!
Check out all the ways to make your home a Christmas Home Centred around Jesus this year! Or share Nativity Trail Mix with your loved ones to retell the story.
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