Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Of all the beautiful traditions of Christmas , few are so ancient in the meaning and so rich in symbolism as the Candy Cane .

From the beginning of the tradition of the Christmas Tree , it was customary to decorate the tree with symbols of the newborn Christ . Candles represented the Light of the World , the star recalled that first Christmas night , and the shepherd's crook symbolized the humble shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem who were first to receive the news , "Unto you is born a Saviour . "

Christmas Tree decorations in Europe , from which our tradition comes , were customarily made of food - principally cookies and candy . This symbolically expresses thanks for "our daily bread" as well as providing a Christmas treat for the children . Thus , the shepherd's crook became a candy cane .

As time went on , many ornaments took on a more permanent nature , but the Candy Cane retains the original use and meaning of Christmas Tree ornaments .

Candy canes on the Christmas Tree symbolize the shepards in the field on that first Christmas night - shepherds who heard the angel chorus and come to worship at the crib of the newborn King . They are also a sign of our thanks to God for the food He has given us all during the year , and , not least of all , they are an inexpensive and delightful Christmas treat for the family .