TODAY’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN STORY: THE CANDY CANE
Choirmaster Schäfer had a problem.
Christmas Eve, in the Year of Our Lord 1670, was coming up, and with it the annual Living Nativity service at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
That wasn’t the problem, of course. The problem was that his young choir members, though good singers, were decidedly NOT good when it came to keeping still and quiet during the service.
Last year, he had been most embarrassed by the whispering and giggling of the choir children.
While the congregation wasn’t given to gossip and undue criticism, there had been a few frowning glances fraught with meaning—not unkindly glances, but certainly in profound earnest!—after the service.
But Choirmaster Schäfer had a plan. He went to his friend, Hans Becker, who was a candy maker.
“I want you to make me a large batch of sugar sticks, Hans,” said Choirmaster Schäfer. “I will give them to the children to keep them quiet during the service.”
Hans cocked an eyebrow at him. “Candy sticks? Do you think that will meet with the approval of the church, for such a sacred occasion?”
“I thought of that,” said the choirmaster. “And I want you to make one little change to these candy sticks. A little change to show everyone that my plan is perfectly in keeping with the purpose of our Christmas Eve service. Make these candy sticks in the shape of a shepherd’s crook!”
That’s the legend of the origin of the popular Christmas CANDY CANE. Is it true? Well, no one knows for sure.
What we do know is that the Candy Cane is the most popular non-chocolate candy during the month of December. Close to two BILLION are made each year in America alone!
And, as you might imagine, 90% of those are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The biggest single week for Candy Cane sales is the second week of December— likely because that is thought to be the most common week for decorating Christmas trees.
Originally, all Candy Canes were white and sugar-flavored; the red stripes and peppermint flavor came later.
Over time, additional meanings became associated with the delicious Candy Cane, in keeping with the Christian origins of the Day: The “J” shape stands for “Jesus,” the white color for His purity, and the red stripes for the blood He would one day shed for the sins of the world.
So this year, let the famous little Candy Cane remind you of the hope of Christmas that came with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem two thousand years ago.
HOLIDAY TIP: Did you know you can create a delicious Candy Cane scent in your home using nothing but a few common Essential Oils? Here’s a great recipe to try today to get your house in the holiday spirit.
CANDY CANE COMFORT DIFFUSER BLEND RECIPE
- 3 drops PEPPERMINT Essential Oil • 2 drops CINAMMON BARK Essential Oil • 1 drop WILD ORANGE Essential Oil
For variations on this blend, use SPEARMINT or WINTERGREEN Essential Oils instead of Peppermint. You can also experiment with the number of drops until you get just the scent you like best.
Add your blend to your favorite diffuser (pre-filled with water as usual unless using an ultrasonic one); or use it to add a holiday scent to pinecones; or even to create scented Christmas gift wrap (we’ll show you during a later Christmas Countdown post how to do that).
QUESTION – WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CANDY OR TREAT?
My favorite was my grandmother’s Raspberry pie a tradition in my family at Christmas time!
I will be posting a new Christmas story with recipe tips and specials every day till Christmas Eve so make sure to come back!
In keeping with the Christmas spirit I am offering a 25% discount on Peppermint, Cinnamon Bark, and Wild Orange Essential Oils. If interested simply give me a call, or text at 864-346-7546 or email at : mariediane29617@yahoo.com
Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for another short story and great deals on essential oils*
Helen Edwards LE
Facial Rejuventaion Specialist
Clinical Aromatherapist