Daniel Zafran, an expert in Christmas candy, explores the origins and stories of various Christmas candies, discusses the significance of Christmas and Easter, and delves into the commercialization of holidays.
Almond Roca's religious symbolism and elegant packaging contribute to its popularity as a quintessential Christmas candy.
Hershey's Kisses red foil wrapping and affordable price have made them a beloved and traditional choice for Christmas treats.
Deep dives
Almond Roca: A Classic Christmas Candy
Almond Roca, with its golden foil wrapping, is a quintessential Christmas candy. The candy has a deep religious history, with its creator being a religious man who took inspiration from a cave associated with visions of the Virgin Mary. The candy's layers and hazelnut center resemble the shape of the cave, making for a unique and symbolic treat. Almond Roca's popularity during holiday seasons is due to its elegant packaging and traditional association with gift-giving.
Ferrero Rocher: A Festive Delight
Ferrero Rocher, another beloved Christmas candy, is known for its rich flavors and unique shape. The candy's creator, a man with a passion for religious iconography, drew inspiration from a cave associated with religious visions to design Ferrero Rocher. The gold foil wrapping and delicious hazelnut filling make it a delightful treat during the holiday season. Ferrero Rocher gained popularity during the lunar new year celebration due to the gold wrapper's auspicious connotations in Asian cultures.
Hershey's Kisses: The Christmas Tradition
Hershey's Kisses, particularly the ones with red foil, are often associated with Christmas. The classic red foil wrapping of Hershey's Kisses is reminiscent of the holiday season. Hershey's Kisses have become a Christmas tradition over the years, with their affordable price and festive packaging making them a popular choice for holiday treats.
Candy Canes: A Classic but Divisive Christmas Candy
Candy canes have long been considered a classic Christmas candy, but they are a divisive treat. While some people enjoy their festive peppermint flavor and iconic red and white stripes, many find them inedible. The tradition of candy canes at Christmas can be attributed to their resemblance to shepherd's crooks, reflecting the shepherds' presence at the nativity scene. However, the origins and symbolism behind candy canes remain a subject of debate and speculation.