A Legend is a very old story or set of stories from ancient times, or the stories, not always true, that people tell about a famous event or person. One such Christmas legend is that of the Candy Cane. And, you might be quite surprised to discover that this sweet Christmas treat is a special reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

The candy cane is a long-time Christmas tradition, used as decorations on Christmas trees and also one of the most popular of all Christmas treats.

Although no one is quite sure if the legends of the candy cane are true, the beauty of the legends is such a reminder of God’s love for us around Christmas. In these legends, it was ways that the candy maker could share the story of Christmas and still today, we have candy canes as a reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Silver Linings can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

Listen to the episode below, or continue on to read the transcript.

Episode Transcript:

A Legend is a very old story or set of stories from ancient times, or the stories, not always true, that people tell about a famous event or person. One such Christmas legend is that of the Candy Cane.

The candy cane is a long-time Christmas tradition, used as decorations on Christmas trees and also one of the most popular of all Christmas treats.

Legend has it that in 1670, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany handed out sugar sticks among his young singers to keep them quiet during the long Nativity service. In honor of the occasion, he had the candies bent into shepherds’ crooks.

Another legend suggests their introduction was at the time of a ban on Christmas and public displays of Christianity. The story goes that a man wished he could share the love of Jesus and the joy of Christmas with the world. When Christmas came around, children did not get to see nativity scenes or enjoy learning about the truth of Christmas. As a candy maker, this man prayed to find a way that he could offer local children a Christmas gift that would allow him to communicate the real story of Christmas. His prayer led to the idea of the Candy Cane.

He chose to make the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff – an upside-down J – for Jesus is the Good Shepherd. When turned the other way, it is a normal J, which stands for Jesus. The hard candy reminds that Jesus is our “rock<” dependable and strong.

Initially they were white sugar sticks. The white color symbolized the virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus. The addition of red stripes sometime around 1900 to represent the crucifixion and the blood Jesus shed for us on the Cross-. The peppermint or wintergreen flavor reminds of the spices brought to baby Jesus by the three Wise Men.

Another story suggests that a Catholic priest, Fr Gregory Harding Keller, invented the ‘Keller Machine’ that made turning straight candy sticks into curved candy canes automatically!

Of course, the candy cane is also given as a gift, representing the love of Jesus when he gave us the gift of salvation.

Although no one is quite sure if the legends of the candy cane are true, the beauty of the legends is such a reminder of God’s love for us around Christmas. In these legends, it was ways that the candy maker could share the story of Christmas and still today, we have candy canes as a reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

To many people, the candy cane is a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time or just a piece of candy to be eaten and enjoyed.  I hope that this year, every time you see a candy cane, you will be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Look for the silver lining.

This is Terry Lees

[Music: Candy Cane Christmas – Darius Rucker]