Categories: Culture

Rock Candy – Can it Heal One’s Soul?

11 years ago

After posting a special request asking about a type of candy that was handed out at funerals, I received suggestions from two readers:

#1: JH suggested it could possibly be locum, which, after dusting it with powdered sugar is white.

#2. My cousin Craig Simonian wrote, “You’re talking about Nabat Shakar, which simply means Sweet Candy.” In other words, rock candy.

Rock Candy

According to Craig’s information, rock candy is described thusly: ‘Persian Rock Candy is used for various purposes and is believed to have a variety of healing properties. It is available in a long crystal form or in smaller pieces.’

I mentioned the rock candy suggestion to JH who replied, “I thought of rock candy too, but the milky description threw me. My Grandmother did make that, but I thought it was more clear than white – unless they added something so that the color clouded a bit.”

Because I can clearly recall being given rock candy as a child in my grandparents’ home, I’m leaning toward that suggestion. Mind you, I don’t recall it being served in times of sadness, it just gave us sweet pleasure.