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For many of us, Christmas is about respecting traditions. The Christmas tree, mulled wine, sweets, turkey, gifts, etc. All the conditions are met to spend a memorable holiday season. Among the elements that remind us of this holiday, we find the candy cane. This sweet red and white candy has been added to our decorations for the delight of children. Where does this tradition come from?

What does barley sugar look like?

This candy is usually in red and white. It takes the form of a stick flavored with cinnamon. However, manufacturers now offer other variants with different flavors.
The first recipe for barley sugar was developed by the Benedictine nuns of Notre-Dame des Anges. They created this recipe after discovering that barley could color cooked cane sugar.
Following their discovery, they decided to make candies for therapeutic purposes. Indeed, barley sugar was initially intended to treat sore throats.

Another legend associated with barley sugar

According to folklore, candy cane was introduced at Christmas time in 1670. The choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral was fed up with the noise of the children. The boys were disrupting the services.
So he asked a friend who made candy canes for help. He offered sweets to the children during mass to keep them occupied.
The Christians were shocked by such behavior. They felt that this act distracted the children from the word of the Lord. However, they found an excuse. The candy cane in the shape of a stick would remind the children of the shepherds who paid homage to Mary at the birth of Christ.

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