The candy cane, a festive holiday symbol, has an intriguing past wrapped in mystery and legend. Originating over 350 years ago, these treats were initially straight, white, sugar sticks. The 'J' shape, symbolizing Jesus, was allegedly introduced by a German choirmaster to keep children quiet during church services. The red stripes, added in the 20th century, are said to symbolize Christ's sacrifice. The industrial revolution brought significant changes. Machines were designed to automate bending candy sticks into the iconic 'J' shape, increasing production significantly. Fascinatingly, it wasn't until the early 1900s that the peppermint flavor was introduced, transforming the candy cane into the beloved holiday treat we know today. Thus, the candy cane's history is a rich blend of fact and folklore, making it more than just a sweet holiday treat.