Holiday fiends hooked on candy canes

Candy canes have been a visible, edible part of the Christmas season for decades, but like many other Yuletide traditions, the true history of candy canes is often the subject of debate.

“When I was growing up I was told candy canes were made to be a witness to the birth of Christ,” freshman Autumn Leitzke said.

The idea that a candy maker in Indiana created the candy cane as a symbol for the birth, ministry and death of Christ is a common one.

“I learned that the candy cane was white to represent purity, with red stripes to represent the bloodshed during the crucifixion, and the shape was a shepherd staff that looks like a ‘J’ for Jesus when turned upside down,” Leitzke said.

Legend says that the candy cane was made a hard candy to symbolize the solid rock foundation of the church. Other popular myths suggest that candy canes were a reward for children who behaved well in church, or a form of identification among Christians during a time of persecution.

Books such as “The Candymaker’s Gift: A Legend of the Candy Cane,” by Helen Haidle, supports many of these suggested histories of the candy cane, while numerous other books or writings try to explore other means to the origin of the candy cane.

“My grandma said they used to be just sugary white sticks,” said sophomore Angie McDonald.

During the 17th Century, it was not uncommon for people to decorate their Christmas trees with food and sweets of different kinds. With a shepherd’s crook at the top of the stick, the canes more easily hung off the boughs of the Christmas tree.

“They were just nice decorations you could eat,” McDonald said.

The candy cane, much like other traditions, was subject to change and evolution. What was once a plain white stick morphed into a cane with assorted flavors and other creative touches added by candy companies. Candy canes and sticks can today be found in flavors such as peppermint, wintergreen and orange. Other major candy name brands, such as Starburst, are stepping into the arena with their very own flavored candy canes.

Gourmet candy makers, such as Fanny Farmer, host some of these new and innovative flavors.

“We carry cherry flavored and peppermint flavored candy canes,” said manager Nancy Orbeck.

In addition, trendy new candy canes have emerged on the gourmet scene.

“We have what are called ‘Candy Climbers,’ which are candy canes that have frosted characters such as Santa Claus, angels and elves on top,” Orbeck said.

The mysterious true origin of the candy canes may be something of debate for years to come, left to be decided on an individual basis.

“My favorite myth is the one about the religious aspects of the holiday because they are often forgotten,” Leitzke said.

It is unlikely, however, that the real history of the candy cane, known or unknown will affect the popularity of this confectionery.

“I love candy canes, they’re the best,” Leitzke said.

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Kristen J. Kubisiak can be reached at: diversions@universitychronicle.com