IF THERE IS ONE SEASON THAT HAS TRADITION WRITTEN ALL OVER IT, IT IS THE HOLIDAY SEASON. SANTA, CHRISTMAS TREES, HOLLY AND MISTLETOE ARE ONLY THE BEGINNING OF IT. CHRISTMAS PUDDING, EGG NUT, STOCKINGS, CHRISTMAS CARDS AND A RED-NOSED REINDEER… THE LIST IS ENDLESS. BUT THERE IS ONE TRADITION THAT REALLY HAS HAD ME PUZZLED FOR A LONG TIME. THE CANDY CANE.
Christmas is by definition a period that hangs together with traditions. There are traditions that are global, such as the Christmas tree and Santa. There are traditions that are local, such as Advent celebrations and street parades. And then there are traditions that have been adopted by cultures all over the world. Many of those have to do with the giving of gifts and the large variety of food that is identified as specific Christmas treats. Such as Christmas pudding, Christmas cookies, gingerbread men and the candy cane. Most of those delicacies are easy to understand and relate back to another typical characteristic of the Holiday season: the smells of cinnamon, sweet herbs and fruits. But the candy cane kind of stands out from all of this. For years I have asked myself what the candy cane really has to do with Christmas. I simply haven't been able to figure it out. Sure there are all kinds of explanations to be found. Like the one that the cane really is a shepherds' crook. Or the story that the colors represent the purity of Christ and the blood he sheds, and the three stripes the Holy Trinity. Personally I think that explanation fits better the Easter period than the Christmas celebrations. But than, what is it with this particular hard and straight piece of candy.
Before answering that questions – yes, there is an answer – I'd like to point out another Christmas tradition that has been forming over recent years and has probably not been adapted to global cultures yet. It really is a tradition that happened over the years here on BeautifulMag and has everything to do with Gert Kist and his many models from Malemodel.nl. Because Gert has made it his mission to provide us with special Christmas series for several years in a row now. They have been featuring solo models or group sessions and they have been compilations of different models. But no matter the subject(s), the thing they always have had in common is the ever-present Santa hat, red and white socks and of course Gert Kist's characteristic beefcake portraits. Just another thing to add to the long list of very tasty Christmas treats. Not being able to put my question about the candy cane to bed, I asked around and, since he is such an authority when it comes to Christmas, I asked the question to Gert Kist. And Gert, visual person as he is, replied in the only way he could and should reply. With yet another series of Christmas portraits. What is that saying again? One picture says more than a thousand words… So I guess we have found our answer here. The candy cane is a delicious piece of candy, hard and durable, to nibble and suck on. The colors are a simple reminder of the festive season. There it is. Nothing more and nothing less. And for those who still don't get it, let me introduce Joachim.
Joachim is a 21 years old model from Belgium. Obviously he is a gym junkie but knowing he is a professional carpenter I'd like to think some of those bulging muscles are not only the result of lifting weights. Joachim is a man who knows how to use his tools. Though straight as an arrow Joachim had no problem stripping down to nothing for Gert and our grateful audience. Now if that doesn't show the right Christmas spirit, nothing else will. Hard on the outside, sweet on the inside, easy to handle and durable. And dressed in red and white. I guess I have found my answer. This year our candy cane is a guy. Merry Christmas to you all.
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