The Candy Cane Controversy

12/18/2004 - 5:32 AM PST

Advertisment

By Matt Abbott
Op/Ed

Ever wonder about the origin of, and symbolism behind, the candy cane? I hadn't � until the other day.

(I know this isn't exactly a pressing matter, but, hey, we are approaching the Christmas season.)

In the bulletin of a Catholic church I attend, there was a section titled "Christmas Ornaments and their Meanings," with this about the candy cane:

"The candy cane begins with a stick of white candy. The white symbolizes the purity of Christ. Red stripes remind us of the blood shed by Christ on the cross for us so that we may have eternal life. The candy cane is formed into a 'J' to represent the precious name of Jesus. It also represents the staff of the Good Shepherd. Its hard consistency represents the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church and the firmness of the promises of Christ."

Interesting, I thought. So I decided to do a "Google" search on the subject. After typing in the proverbial few key words, a link to a page on the "Urban Legends Reference Pages" site, snopes.com, popped up. Here's a snippet of what snopes.com has to say on the origin of the candy cane:

"The strongest connection one can make between the origins of the candy cane and intentional Christian symbolism is to note that legend says someone took an existing form of candy which was already being used as a Christmas decoration (i.e., straight white sticks of sugar candy) and produced bent versions which represented a shepherd's crook and were handed out to children at church to ensure their good behavior."

(The entire page can be read here: www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/candycane.asp)

I thought I'd ask, via e-mail, my computer, religion and politics-savvy friend, Bill Grossklas of Elmhurst, Ill., about this candy cane controversy. Bill's response:

"I believe snopes is correct, from what I know of it. However, that being said, there is no reason why any Christian cannot utilize the candy cane for a symbolism of a Christian nature as the story tells it. I would use it in my Christmas decorations (and have) for the reasons given in the tale. So it makes little difference what its true origin was; it is used for what I wish. I have essentially appropriated it for Christmas and anyone is free to do the same. So, then, if someone asks why you have candy canes on your Christmas tree, you can state the reasons given in the story. Nothing wrong or dishonest in that."

Take that, ACLU.

Contact

Matt Abbott
IL, US
Matt Abbott - Author, 202

Email

mattcabbott@hotmail.com

Keywords

Catholic, Abbott

Rate This Article

Was this helpful to you? Very Helpful Somewhat Helpful Not Helpful at All

Would you be interested in more articles like this? Yes, I am Interested No, I am not Interested

Rate Article

0 Comments

Comments submitted must be civil, remain on-topic and not violate any laws including copyright. We reserve the right to delete any comments which are abusive, inappropriate or not constructive to the discussion.

Though we invite robust discussion, we reserve the right to not publish any comment which denigrates the human person, undermines marriage and the family, or advocates for positions which openly oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church.

This is a supervised forum and the Editors of Catholic Online retain the right to direct it.

We also reserve the right to block any commenter for repeated violations. Your email address is required to post, but it will not be published on the site.

We ask that you NOT post your comment more than once. Catholic Online is growing and our ability to review all comments sometimes results in a delay in their publication.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

Send me important information from Catholic Online and it's partners. See Sample

Post Comment