The Legend of the Candy Cane

I first read this story years ago while making Christmas cards with my best friend. I was digging through the stack of old Christmas cards and pictures that her mom had saved for us when I came across a little card that had once been attached to a candy cane. It told the story below. I copied and saved it, and still enjoy reading it every year. Many of you have probably also read it or heard it somewhere. May you always remember the message of the candy cane!

The Legend of the Candy Cane

The birth, ministry and death of Jesus Christ are signified through the elements of the candy cane. According to legend, a candy maker wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ.

First, he used hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. He shaped this hard candy to resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd’s staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.

Finally, he added a red stripe to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and three thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. The three stripes can also represent the power and presence of the Trinity (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.

The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Psalm 51:7 states, “Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean, wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

The candy cane is meant to be shared—broken into pieces. That reminds us of Jesus’ words, “This is my body which is broken for you” (1 Cor. 11:24). What a sweet way to share the Gospel!

• Reindeer Candy Canes
• Pipe Cleaner Candy Cane Ornaments
• Paper Candy Cane Ornaments
• White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
• Peppermint Bark