Symbols of the Season: the Candy Cane

There are several symbols and iconic images that make up the Christmas season for many of us. The importance of the Christmas tree might seem the most dominant, but let’s not forget the humble and festive candy cane. The red and white striped wonder has been a part of Christmas traditions for centuries. Have you ever wondered where the fresh peppermint cane got its start?

Experts report that, to begin with, no one knows exactly who created the candy cane, or where the candy cane originally came from. However, the earliest prototype for the candy came in the form of a white sugar stick. This prototype candy was used to soothe fussy babies back in the 1600’s by their frantic parents looking for some relief.

Other rumors of candy cane origin come from the church. The ideal of the candy cane hook is believed to have been invented by a clergy during one of the earlier eras of the church. The “hook” in the candy cane was designed to look somewhat like a shepherd’s staff to remind unruly children in Christmas mass who was watching them. The sentiment for good behavior, and a strong reminder of awareness, most likely helped the children who received the candy regain some comfort.

As for the taste of the candy cane, it progressed from a plain sugar stick. No one knows exactly how the candy got its peppermint flavor. However, experts have discovered that the use of peppermint as flavoring was nothing new. Several cultures over the centuries used peppermint flavoring as a cure for several digestive issues. Peppermint is said to have been used in the intricate Egyptian and Roman cultures. Some reports even claim that it was used by Louis and Clark during their expedition of America.

The iconic red and white stripes that have been found on the traditional candy cane may be a somewhat newer addition to the holiday treat. Experts explain that some have claimed that the red and white strips were hard to find on the candy prior to the late 19th century. However, these reports might be disclaimed, due to the fact that several cook books of eras before were found to contain recipes on how to make peppermint candy sticks with stripes.

The candy cane would make its grand entrance into the United States with the mass flooding of immigration that came at the turn of the twentieth century. People from the old world would bring their Christmas traditions with them to the land of opportunity. Some experts claim that one such German immigrant, August Imgard of Ohio, had been hailed as the first person to decorate his Christmas tree with nothing but candy canes.

Eventually the candy cane would take off in mass production around the 1920’s with the help of Bob McCormack who would turn out thousands of candy canes in his factory in Albany, Georgia. Mr. McCormack with his holiday treats would bring candy canes to households in the United States and perhaps cement the candy cane as the unofficial treat of the holidays. The popularity of the treat exploded, with several stories, including the popular Little House on the Prairie, featuring characters receiving Christmas gifts with striped peppermint candies on the inside. The history of the candy cane is steeped in holiday tradition and history, and while it may come in a wider variety now than it did then, it still upholds its holiday roots to all who see and partake in the sweet treat.