How the humble candy cane became a Christmas legend with deep roots

The candy cane has been a festive staple for centuries, with roots stretching back to 17th-century Germany. Originally a simple white sugar stick, it has evolved into a striped holiday symbol with religious ties. Today, its uses extend well beyond Christmas Day, from decorations to creative recipes.

The candy cane's story began in 1670 at Cologne Cathedral. A choirmaster handed out plain white sugar sticks to children during long Christmas services, hoping to keep them quiet. Over time, the sticks took on a curved shape, said to resemble a shepherd's crook—a nod to the Nativity story.

For nearly 250 years, candy canes remained white. That changed in the 1920s when candymaker Bob McCormack added red stripes, making them more festive. The stripes later gained symbolic meanings, with red representing sacrifice and white standing for purity.

The design continued to evolve. In 1884–1885, Henry Brehmer patented an elaborate version with curls, though the basic shape stayed the same. Despite modern twists, the candy cane's religious ties endure in Christian Christmas traditions.

Now, candy canes come in far more than just peppermint. Flavours range from fruity and spicy to sour blends and even savoury options. Leftover sticks often find new life in DIY projects, desserts, or drinks. National Candy Cane Day on December 26 even encourages creative uses, like crushing them into hot chocolate or baking them into cookies.

What started as a simple sugar stick has grown into a holiday icon with deep traditions. The candy cane's shape, colours, and flavours have changed over time, but its place in Christmas celebrations remains strong. After the festivities, many still repurpose them, keeping the tradition alive long after December 25.