Gingerbread can refer to a number of baked goods flavoured with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and more, most commonly found as cookies now. It is one of those “holiday flavours” that instantly transports you to the Christmas season. Across many regions and countries, gingerbread is a Christmas constant. But why? And how did it persist for centuries? This holiday history bite is going to be exploring the history of gingerbread, the perfect holiday snack!
What is Gingerbread?
Gingerbread is sometimes an actual bread or loaf, flavoured with ginger and other spices. You will most often find it in the form of cut-out cookies, often with royal icing. Or of course, as the ultimate festive craft project, as a gingerbread house! As a cut-out cookie, it lasts for quite some time.
Who Made Gingerbread Cookies Popular?
That honour belongs to none other than Gloriana herself, Queen Elizabeth I. Ginger had arrived in Europe by the 11th century, and spread from there. The medieval ginger trade was centred in Nuremberg, and gingerbread still plays a big role in the Nuremberg Christkindlmarket to this day. However, it took root in England with Elizabeth I. The Tudor monarch gave her courtiers gingerbread cookies cut in her likeness as gifts, and it quickly became very popular. So, the history of gingerbread has royal ties!
Gingerbread Today
Gingerbread cookies are still popular today. They are relatively easy to make, even with children (though you might have to stir for a quite a bit), and they are a lot of fun to decorate. And of course, the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf is one of the most popular holiday items on the menu. I even made gingerbread houses in school several times- it is a tradition for all ages!
Do you reach for gingerbread at the holidays?
Cheers,
The Historian
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