candy cane history
Here at Christmas Light Pros, to say we are enthusiastic about the Christmas holiday is a bit of an understatement. We absolutely love Christmas and all its varied traditions around the world! This is why we have uncovered the real truth about one of the most iconic motifs of Christmas, that also happen to be a delicious snack: candy canes. We had several questions about candy canes in fact. What is their history and how long have they been made for the holiday? How did they get started and develop into a traditional candy to be eaten at Christmas time? Were they always curved like a cane? Was there always a red stripe on the candy cane, historically? We felt these were not only interesting but important. Another important question: can you incorporate candy canes into your external Christmas lighting on your home or place of business? Read more to find the answers to these holiday mysteries…
Christmas Trees and Candy Canes
The history of the candy cane cannot begin without talking a little bit about the history of another popular holiday tradition: cutting down and decorating a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree became a popular fixture in Europe many years ago and people there would decorate their trees just as people nowadays decorate them. However, unlike the trees of today, decorated with glass balls, electric Christmas lights and miniature photo frames with pictures of our loved ones, tress back in this day were strewn with snack foods and candy. Soon the candy cane would make its initial appearance in European homes, and stomachs.
By about the 1600s, the first candy canes showed up on the scene. They were typically plain white without the now iconic red stripe that identifies Christmas with its colors. They were made from sugar, according to most sources familiar with the matter. It is rumored that a certain choirmaster somewhere in Europe had made the candy cane with a curve like a shepherd’s crook and passed them out to children at a winter festival. This became a popular and widely practiced tradition throughout much of Europe by the 18th century.
From Europe to America
The candy cane has endured quite a long journey over the past 400 years, approximately. It has gone from being a simple sugary snack passed out to children to an emblematic symbol of Christmas spirit and peppermint flavor, not to mention the white and red colors associated commonly with the holiday season. The Americans began following suit with Europeans, where many Americans’ ancestors and relatives lived previously. Candy canes were popular in the United States by the 1800s and the red stripe was introduced in the 20th century.
Candy Cane Motif
As a symbol of Christmas, the candy cane has been used as a common theme and decorative symbol in many American homes, including those in Brentwood, Tennessee. Our exterior Christmas lighting service can provide the candy cane motif incorporated into your lighting setup. No more ladders, hard work and cold temperatures. Simply call on us for your lighting needs.
