December 19, 2014 Photo (353/365): #decemberphotochallenge Day 19: Candy Cane

The next time you enjoy this traditional Christmas treat consider its significance. According to folklore, the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in 1670 suggested that the little ones be given a piece of candy to keep them quiet during the Christmas Eve Living Crèche. A local confectioner concocted the first candy canes to silence the children while reminding them of Jesus' goodness. The canes are shaped like shepherds' staffs to help children remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The original candies were white to represent purity and the Virgin birth. In the 20th Century, the red stripes were added: a bold stripe to represent God's love and three fine stripes to represent the Holy Trinity. Peppermint is similar to hyssop, a mint used for purification and sacrifice in the Old Testament. It's flavor symbolizes the purity of Jesus and the sacrifice He made for our redemption.