Where did the candy cane originate?

stashio2020, my understanding is that the crook can represent a shepherd s staff but was meant to be a " J" for baby Jesus born in the manger.

The red stripes are not painted on. The strips of red candy are laid on top of the warm white block of peppermint candy and then stretched to elongate the block. Then the candy canes are cut to size and shaped.

Candy canes are for suckers.