The Press-Dispatch

A-8 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 The Press-Dispatch The history of the candy cane By Laura Witcher Goldstein One of the most often seen symbols of Christmas is the candy cane. Not only are candy canes used as a sweet Christmastime treat but they are also used for decoration. How did this seasonal candy get its familiar shape, and when did it become part of Christmas tradition? When the practice of using Christmas trees to celebrate Christmas became popular in Europe the people there began making decorations for their trees. Many of the decorations were food items including cookies and candy. The predecesor of our modern candy cane appeared at about this time in the seventeenth century. These were straight, white sticks of sugar candy. Part of the Christmas celebration at the Cologne Cathedral were pagents of living creches. In about 1670 the choirmaster there had sticks of candy bent into the shape of a shepherd's crook and passed them out to children who attended the ceremonies. This became a popular tradition, and eventually the practice of passing out the sugar canes at living creche ceremonies spread throughout Europe. The use of candy canes on Christmas trees made its way to America by the 1800's, however during this time they were still pure white. They are represented this way on Christmas cards made before 1900, and it is not until the early 20th century that they appear with their familiar red stripes. Many people have given religious meaning to the shape and form of the candy cane. It is said that its shape is like the letter "J" in Jesus' name. It is also in the shape of the shepherds' crook, symbolic of how Jesus, like the "Good Shepherd" watches over his children like little lambs. It is a hard candy, solid like a "rock", the foundation of the Church. The flavor of peppermint is similar to another member of the mint family, hyssop. In the Old Testament hyssop was used for purification and sacrifice, and this is said to symbolize the purity of Jesus and the sacrifice he made. Some say the white of the candy cane represents the purity of Jesus and his virgin birth. The bold red stripe represents God's love. The three fine stripes are said by some to represent the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Others say they represent the blood spilled at the beating Jesus received at the hands of the Roman soldiers. From its plain early beginnings to its familiar shape and color of today, the candy cane is a symbol of Christmas and a reminder of the meaning of the holiday. How to winterize your car Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared. Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pickup and passing power. Necessary Equipment An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be preWeather pared. In addition to makAt any temperature—20° ing sure you have the tuneFahrenheit below zero or up, a full tank of gas, and 90° Fahrenheit above— fresh anti-freeze, you should weather affects road and carry the following items in driving conditions and can your trunk: pose serious problems. It is • Properly inflated spare important to monitor fore- tire, wheel wrench and tricasts on the Web, radio, TV, pod-type jack. cable weather channel, or in • Shovel; Jumper cables; the your paper. Tow and tire chains; Bag of salt or cat litter and Tool kit. Your Car Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes: • Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts. • Changing and adjusting the spark plugs. • Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve. • Inspecting the distributor. • Checking the battery. • Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth. • Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line. Essential Supplies Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include: • Working flashlight and extra batteries. • Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth. • Compass. • First aid kit. • Exterior windshield cleaner. • Ice scraper and snow brush • Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container. • Scissors and string/ cord. • Non-perishable, highenergy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy. In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets. If you become stranded— Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation. To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna. If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank. To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut. Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist. Reprinted with permission from the National Safety Council. PES Spell bowl winners Pictured above are the winners of a spelling bee that took place recently in Candy Meyer's fourth grade class at Petersburg Elementary School. They are, front row (l to r): Kenzie Woodland, third place; Hunter Catt, fourth place; and Isaac Theising, second place. Back row: Remington Gideon, first place. Photo submitted. Pictured above are the winners of a spelling bee that took place recently in Michele Teague's fourth grade class at Petersburg Elementary School. They are, front row: Emma Quakenbush, third place. Back row (l to r): Amellia Bailey, first place; Lane Kerns, second place; and Albany Ashley, fourth place. Photo submitted. Pictured above are the winners of a spelling bee that took place recently in Tonya Walton's fourth grade class at Petersburg Elementary School. They are (l to r): Dane Gladish, first place; Quinlan Teague, second place; Shane Morson, third place; and Hannah Woodford, fourth place. Photo submitted. Five generations Five generations photo of Charles and Martha Young, of Winslow, include (l to r): Ashlyn Stewart, mother, holding Nevaeh Winge; Josh Stewart, grandfather; Jana Dillon, great-grandmother; and Charles and Martha Young, greatgreat-grandparents. SAVE 25 $ OFF ANY PAIR OF PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES* Choose from a variety of designer frames. Wiley X Frames Juicy Couture Nine West Calvin Klein Carrera Harley-Davidson Locally Owned & Operated | Dr. Clint Shoultz 715 S. 9th Street, Petersburg | 354-9400 Mon. 8-7 | Tues. 8-noon | Wed. 10-7 | Thurs. 8-5 | Fri. 8-5 *No insurance claim

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