December 26, 2022 - National Candy Cane Day | Boxing Day

Welcome to December 26th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate extending the flavor and good will of the season. Peppermint sticks have been around for at least 200 years, but the red and white striped candy cane that we all associate with Christmas did not actually appear until 1900. Many folklore tales describe the symbolism behind this iconic treat though they were assigned much later on. The shape of the cane is a shepherd’s crook, the white symbolizes purity and the peppermint flavor is reminiscent of hyssop which was used for purification during biblical days. You may already be missing the fun of the holidays as you take down the Christmas trimmings but on National Candy Cane Day, we invite you to savor the flavor of the season. Boxing Day has been an official holiday in England, Wales, Ireland and Canada since 1871. Also known as St. Stephen’s Day and Good Will Day in South Africa, the origins of this celebration point back to King Wenceslas, a 10th Century Duke. Upon observing a poor peasant, the Duke ordered that food, wine and firewood be brought to his subject in need. The Church of England adopted this tradition, distributing donations from a box that parishioners filled all season. Boxing Day is a great Second Christmas that folks around the world celebrate to extend this season of giving. I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices