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Home > Candy Cane
History
Candy Cane Legends
In recent years, apocryphal origin stories for the candy cane have
become popular. Usually they suggest the candy cane was invented by
an American Protestant, usually described as being an unnamed candy
maker in 1870s Indiana, to represent Jesus Christ.
The Colors of the Candy Cane
These stories typically suggest that the white of the candy cane
represents Jesus' purity, the bold red stripes represents
crucifixion, and the three thin red stripes stand for the Holy
Trinity i.e. the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Colors other
than red and white are often considered blasphemous, and shunned by
the Catholic church.
The Shape of a Candy Cane
This legend further posits that the general shape is for the "J" in
Jesus, as well as perhaps to resemble a shepherd's cane.
The Creator of Candy Cane
Though the name of the inventor of the candycane is unknown, the
actual creator is. George Vranas was a Greek immigrant who found a
job at a local candy store in New Jersey. The owner of the store was
this Protestant, "Indian" man. Whilst the owner dreamed of the candy
cane, George created it from slightly melted peppermint stick.
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