The Origin of Gingerbread

I absolutely LOVE gingerbread. Whether it be in the form of a man, house, cake, loaf, cookie... It's all so deliciously warm, spicy and holiday-esque. With this in mind, I set out to learn it's origin and thought I should share it with you...

"The origin of Gingerbread dates back date back to ancient times when the spice, ginger, was known for its medicinal properties, often used for curing stomach aches.

Small gingerbread cakes adorned with symbols of the sun were made to celebrate the Winter Solstice in pre-Christian Europe.

Catholic monks baked gingerbread for special religious celebrations. The cakes were constructed in specific designs depicting saints and religious motifs. The early carvings were made with a large and elaborately carved "cookie board" that impressed the pattern onto a stiff rolled dough.

Gingerbreads slowly became popular across Europe and Britain. The recipe was changing, becoming lighter. In 1573, treacle (molasses) was used instead of honey.Then butter and eggs became popular additions to enrich the mixture.

The first gingerbread man is credited to the court of Queen Elizabeth I, who impressed important visitors with charming gingerbread portraits.

The tradition of baking a Gingerbread house began in Germany after the Brothers Grimm published their collection of German fairy tales in the early 1800s. Among the tales was the story of Hansel and Gretel, who came upon a house made of bread and sugar decorations. It is possible however that brothers Grimm were actually writing about something that may have already existed."

-http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/christmas/gingerbreadtrad.htm