- He first began with a hard, white candy. The hardness was to symbolize the solidness of the foundation of the church and the rock solid certainty of God's promises.
- The candy was white to symbolize the Virgin Birth of Jesus, as well as His pure, sinless nature.
- Three thin red stripes were added to symbolize the scourging Jesus received prior to His crucifixion, and that "by His stripes, we are healed". [Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24] Healed from sin that is. The thicker red stripe symbolizes the blood He shed in His sacrificial death on the cross in order to provide forgiveness of sin and salvation to all who believe.
- The candy maker added a "crook" so that it resembled a shepherd's staff, because Jesus is the Good Shepherd. [John 10:11] If you turn it upside down it is a "J" which, of course, stands for Jesus.
- The candy cane's flavor is mint, which is very similar to hyssop. Hyssop, in Old Testament Times, often symbolized purification and sacrifice.
Whether or not the legend is true is not the main point; the symbolism that has come to be associated with the candy cane is.
In the hustle and bustle of your Christmas season, please don't forget the Person who is the "Reason for the Season!"
