In Atlanta, Georgia, a man by the name of Bob McCormack got the idea of making these candy canes as special treats for his relatives, friends, and other shopkeepers. Since the process of making the canes entailed so much labor, he was only able to do this locally. Bob s brother, Gregory Keller, knew there had to be an easier way to make the candy canes. Gregory invented a machine to produce the canes at a much faster pace. Therefore, Bob s Candies has become the largest producer of candy canes in the world.
Legend states the beginnings of the candy cane are Christian.
The shape resembles a shepherd s crook. It has also been found that the candy cane was given to children who learned their prayers. The shape of the candy cane, like a J , signifies Jesus. Since the church was founded on a solid rock, this is related to the hardness of the candy. Hyssop, a cleansing plant mentioned in the Old Testament, has a peppermint flavor.