A Candy Cane Story
At this time of the year just about everyone throughout Europe and the United States is familiar with the traditional candy cane. These days candy canes come in all sizes and colors while the white with red striped ones are the most familiar to both children and adults. Where did it come from? Why? Is it contrary to the prevalent message of the Christmas season? What symbolism, if any, is present in this delightful candy? Let us consider the following that may shed some light on the history, meaning, and practice of the candy cane during the Christmas season.
The candy cane developed over a few hundred years. Before the modern pacifier, parents gave their babies unflavored white sugar sticks to suck on. In the 70's, that is –the 1670’s, it is said that a German choirmaster had the sugar sticks bent into a shepherd's staff and passed it out to children attending the Christmas services. This custom spread throughout Europe and canes decorated with roses emerged as Christmas decorations in many homes. Today in 2005 many Christians who have an inappropriate abundance of affection for the Christmas...
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