We are all familiar with the candy cane as both a Christmas time treat and a decoration on Christmas trees. In some European churches, particularly the Cologne Cathedral, living creche pageants were common beginning in the 17th century. Often the choirmaster would hand out hard sugary candy shaped like that of a shepherd's crook.
Candy canes as decorations on Christmas trees became popular in the 19th century and this tradition made it's way to America in the early 20th century.
Many people have given religious meaning to the candy cane although a cursory check of Snopes claims this was never the intent of the makers of the candy cane. But the symbolism certainly could be helpful in teaching small ones about Jesus and his love for us. The shape of the current day candy cane held upside down looks like the letter "J". Held right side up the candy cane resembles a shepherd's crook. We all know that Jesus is the Good Shepherd as he watches over all of us as a shepherd looks after his sheep.
Some have assigned the white color on the candy cane the sign of Jesus' purity and his virgin birth. The bold red represents God's love. Others say the red symbolizes the blood shed by Jesus on the cross. The three fine stripes are said to represent the Holy Trinity.
I believe it is of little importance if any of this was the original intent of the creators of the candy cane. And I believe its of little importance how these symbols came to be. Bottom line is this is a beautiful story that can help demonstrate, in a real and tangible way, a little piece of the story of Jesus and his love for us. We can also demonstrate to our children, and each other, that even those things we come to enjoy about our Christmas celebration all can point to Christ.
Sometimes we need to relax and remember, Jesus Christ is lord of all; and he is Lord over our present and the way we celebrate. Look at a candy cane the next time you enjoy one or hang one on a tree and remember Christ as you keep Christ in Christmas!
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