Tales of the Candy Cane Trivia Quiz

Answer: Germany

Said to be the most visited site in Germany today, the construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248. A church was needed to store the religious relics that Frederick Barbarossa had taken in Milan, Italy. Construction of the new church building ceased in 1473; it was still used, however, it was not finished according to plan until 1880. Many of the Christmas traditions that are observed today, such as the decoration of an indoor Christmas tree, came to us from Germany.

Answer: To keep children quiet

The Christmas Eve tradition of the living crèche at the Cologne Cathedral, held to recall the story of Christ's birth, must have been a sight to behold for young children! It is said that St. Francis of Assisi created the first nativity play on Christmas Eve in 1223, using people and live animals. Even though there was bound to be some commotion, the play was supposed to be solemn and respectful.

In the excitement of it all, apparently the young children caused too much noise - at least in the eyes of the choirmaster.

Answer: True

There are many stories about how the first candy canes were shaped. Some say that they were plain white sticks of sugar candy. In 1670 that must have been an awesome treat! As the story of the choirmaster goes, he didn't want to over spoil the children, so he planned to use the sticks as part of a lesson. He asked the candy maker to fashion a crook at the end of each stick.

Answer: Shepherds

According to Luke 2:8-20, an angel announced Christ's birth to a group of shepherds who were tending their sheep near Bethlehem. The shepherds were understandably terrified, especially when a multitude of angels then appeared, singing "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests". Even so, they decided to do when the angels commanded. "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger". Don't forget! The symbolism of the shepherd also relates to Jesus, who is called the "Good Shepherd", and all Christians are believed to be members of his flock.

Answer: It represents the letter "J".

Turn your candy cane upside down! It makes a "J". Of course, to Christians during the Christmas season, "J" stands for "Jesus". Did you know that scholars really do not really know the exact day when Jesus was born? The Bible does not give any hint as to the date, and this issue has been debated among scholars for centuries.

The first recorded date of Christmas was December 25, 336, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Some scholars believe that December 25 was chosen because it coincided with a Roman pagan festival.

Answer: Purity

A symbol of light and purity, white is an important color of both Christmas and Easter. It also symbolizes innocence. One source claimed that candy canes only came in white for two hundred years before changing colors in the early 20th century.

Answer: It symbolizes the rock on which the Church was built.

When someone is called a "rock", it means that they are strong and stable. When Christ is called a rock it means that he is always there, a refuge in times of need. He was the base upon which the Christian church was built; there are many places in the Bible where both God ("Our God is a God of truth.

He is the Rock, the immovable Foundation of this way of life". Deuteronomy 32:4) and Jesus ("And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ". 1 Corinthians 10:4) are compared to rocks.

Answer: Christ's blood

While some sources state that the red on a candy cane represents Christ's blood, others say that it represents his love. Look closely at a traditional candy cane. Have you ever noticed that there is often one wide red stripe? In addition, there are typically thinner red stripes that line up together.

Some say that the three red stripes together represent the Holy Trinity - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Answer: Hyssop

Hyssop is a member of the mint family that is a native plant in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and all the way to the Caspian Sea. Known for its medicinal properties, it was used by many ancient people in the area, including the Egyptians and Hebrews, who used it to purify and cleanse. Gold and frankincense, well-known gifts that the wise men brought to Christ, are not really edible.

Their third gift, myrrh, can be mixed with wine and has been used for medicinal purposes. It is mostly mentioned in the Bible, however, as a precious oil used for anointing and as an ingredient in consecrated incense.

Answer: Decorating his Christmas tree

The first documented recipe for candy cane making appeared in 1844, and its first documented association with the Christmas season was in 1874. Many sites give August Imgard, a German immigrant, credit for being one of the first to introduce the Christmas tree to the United States in 1847. He put the tree in his house and decorated it with nuts, paper ornaments, and....candy canes!