This post is the legend told about how the candy cane was invented. I have heard several versions of who invented the candy cane, but the symbols for the parts of the candy cane are always the same.

A candy maker who loved Jesus for many years came up with the idea of making the candy cane to represent Jesus. He incorporated symbols to represent different parts of Jesus’ life. The next time your family shares candy canes together, try reading the reason the candy cane was invented. It is so powerful. It will change the way you look at your candy cane and your life forever.

Well, here is the legend of how the candy canes ties in with Christmas.

The candy cane is in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. Jesus is our Shepherd, and we are His flock. Sheep follows his shepherd, knows his voice, and trusts him. The sheep knows that he is totally safe with him. This is how we are to be with Jesus if we truly follow Him. John 10:11 New International Version “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Upside down the candy cane is a “J” shape, the first letter of the name Jesus. (Luke 1:31) The candy cane is made of hard candy to remind us that Christ is the rock of our salvation.

The wide red stripes on a candy cane represent the blood he shed on the cross for each one of us so that we can have eternal life through Him. He redeems us and cleanses us with His shed blood. Luke 22:20 New International Version In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “ This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

The white stripes on a candy cane represent the virgin birth, sinless life and purity of our Lord. He is the only human being who ever lived on this earth who never committed a single sin. Even though He was tempted just as we are, He never sinned. 1 Peter 2:22 New International Version “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

The narrow red stripes on candy canes represent that by His wounds, we are healed. Before the crucifixion Jesus was beaten; the crown of thorns was on His head; His back was raw from the whip. Those wounds heal us. Isaiah 53:5 New International Version “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

The flavoring in the candy cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. John 19:29 New International Version “A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.”

When we break our candy cane, it reminds us that Jesus’ body was broken for us. When we have communion, it reminds us of what He did for us. And, if we share our broken candy cane with love, it represents sharing the love of Christ.

God gave Himself to us when He sent Jesus. He loved us so much He wants us to spend eternal life with Him.

This post was written by me, Diane Roark. I love hearing from you. Please leave a comment and subscribe on the homepage for e-mail updates of new posts. If you enjoyed this post, I would be grateful if you add it to social media.

Blessings Always,