Myths

Candy canes were invented in Indiana by a man who wanted to teach religious symbolism to children — Nope, never happened that way. Candy canes outdate the state of Indiana by hundreds of years. Perhaps there was once a man in Indiana who taught made-up symbolism of the candy cane but it certainly wasn’t invented there.

Candy canes represent the Shepherd’s crook or are shaped like the letter “J” for Jesus — Not exactly. Candy canes are a simple food made up of corn syrup, sugar, starch and, of course, peppermint. These ingredients are combined, cooked and then cooled. As it cools, it hardens and becomes heavier to work with. It is thought the “J” shape associated with holiday candy canes comes from early confectioners who cut the canes while they were still warm, thus mishaping them into a natural curved shape. Other confection historians believe that the “J” shapes were made to make them easier to store in such a way where they would not get broken.

Candy canes were first made as a decoration on Christmas trees — No, candy canes even pre-date the tradition of Christmas trees. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century — about the time when widespread use of Christmas tree became popular at Christmastime — that the candy cane became connected with trees (and Christmas).

Candy canes stiped in red represent the blood of Christ, the white stripes represent his purity – Maybe to some today, they do. But they didn’t start out that way. Candy canes were originally all white in color. The color red, which is closely associated with the Christmas season for many religious reasons, was added during the mid-19th century when candy canes first started being used as decorations on Christmas trees. But the red-and-white variety of candy canes was not specifically first manufactured as religious symbolism.