St. Catherine's taffy facts for kids

St. Catherine's Taffy (called la Tire de Ste. Catherine in French) is a special kind of taffy candy. Families in French-Canada make it every year to celebrate a holiday. This holiday is called the feast day of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It happens on November 25. This sweet treat is a fun part of their traditions!

What is St. Catherine's Taffy?

St. Catherine's Taffy is a chewy, sweet candy. It's often made by hand, which can be a fun activity. The taffy is pulled and stretched until it becomes light and airy. This makes it a unique and tasty treat.

Why is it Made?

This special taffy is made to honor St. Catherine. She is known as the patron saint of unmarried women. On her feast day, November 25, girls in French-Canadian families would make this candy. Sometimes, this day was even called "taffy day"! It was a time when girls who were old enough to marry would make taffy for boys who were also looking for a partner.

The Start of the Tradition

The tradition of making St. Catherine's Taffy is very old. It is said to have started with a woman named Marguerite Bourgeoys. She was a very important teacher in the early days of Montreal. At that time, Montreal was a new settlement called Ville-Marie. Marguerite Bourgeoys helped found the Notre-Dame de Montréal. She started making taffy with her young students. It was a clever way to keep them interested and focused in class! This simple idea grew into a cherished yearly tradition.