Gingerbread houses are a favourite holiday pastime with families, be it with parents, grandparents, or even both! But these delicious, decorative bread houses have always been a staple of the holiday season for as long as people can remember.
Did you know that there every year Gingerbread House enthusiast celebrate Gingerbread House Day?
Gingerbread House Day is a great way to bring the family together, have some fun, and most importantly, eat some tasty and festive gingerbread.
History of Gingerbread House Day
It is believed gingerbread was first baked in Europe at the end of the 11th century when returning crusaders brought back the custom of spicy bread from the Middle East. Ginger was not only tasty; it had properties that helped preserve the bread.
Gingerbread baking developed into an acknowledged profession. In the 17th century, only professional gingerbread bakers were permitted to bake gingerbread except at Christmas and Easter.
The tradition of making decorated gingerbread houses started in Germany in the early 1800’s. According to certain researchers, the first gingerbread houses were the result of the well-known Grimm’s fairy tale Hansel and Gretel.
We’re sure you’re familiar with The Gingerbread Man fairytale, the one that goes “Run, run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!” Well, this was released in 1875. It was part of the St. Nicholas Magazine’s May issue at the time.
In 2015, the biggest gingerbread house in the world was created in Bryan, Texas. It is roughly half the size of a typical tennis court.
How to Celebrate Gingerbread House Day
To celebrate Gingerbread House Day, take the family out for a shopping trip and pick up the supplies necessary to make a gingerbread house.
A lot of people have gingerbread house competitions on this date. So, why not have some fun creating your own gingerbread houses and then you can all secretly vote for your winner.
There are lots of great recipes online for gingerbread.