Candy Canes

Candy canes have been around for hundreds of years, but they did not always look the same. Candy canes used to be all white and straight, not curved. Today they are usually cane shaped and come in all colors and flavors. The most common are the red and white striped, peppermint flavored ones. They are a special favorite treat for Christmas and are often given away at concerts, church services, visits to Santa Claus, and family gatherings.

There are many stories telling why they are shaped like canes instead of straight sticks. One story tells that the bend on the top was so people could use them to decorate their Christmas trees without them falling off. Another story tells that they are shaped to look like a shepherd's staff to help people remember the shepherds that came to visit the baby Jesus. A third story tells that they are shaped like the letter J (if you hold it with the curve down) to remind people that Christmas is Jesus's birthday.

This page was created for

Ross Elementary School

Last updated: 12/9/03