One of the most common ornaments that is found that can be used on artificial Christmas trees is the candy cane. While many people buy real candies and hang these, you will find that there are tons of artificial candy cane ornaments that you can opt for. In fact, the candy cane theme is one theme that most people have seen at one time or another displayed on artificial Christmas trees. While many people think that the red and white candy cane is why they are used on trees, the candy cane actually has a rich history!

The Sweet History of Candy Canes

Did you know that the candy cane was made over 350 years ago?! At first, these were only sticks, and they were all white, there was no red to be found on these candies. The legend of the candy cane that we know and love today that is used on artificial Christmas trees did not come to be until 1670. It is rumored that a choirmaster took these candy cane sticks, and then bent this to represent the shepherd’s hook. The candy that was bent was then given to all the children who attended ceremonies at the church. However, this was done throughout the year, not just at Christmas. So, when did the candy cane become a symbol of Christmas?

This happened in 1847. A German-Swedish immigrant came to what is now known as Ohio in the US and decided to put these candy canes and paper ornaments throughout the tree. From there, this just spiraled. In the 1900’s, candy canes were used on Christmas cards that were sent. And then at the turn of the 19^th century, the red was mingled into the white to create the traditional candy cane as we know it.

Once the shape of the hook came about, as well as the red and white stripes, it was believed that the candy cane was a religious symbol. The red stripes are meant to symbolize the blood Christ, while the white stripes symbolize the purity of Christ, and of course, for some people the hook is all about the shepherds, while other people say that this is a “J” meant to symbolize Jesus. Whatever your belief in this, the use of the candy cane is a time-honored tradition when it comes to decorating trees.  With the various colors that candy canes are available in today, not just the red and white, there is just about any type of candy cane to fit in with your chosen decor.