In our family, a gingerbread house village has become a tradition that we look forward to every year. We take one day and spend the entire day decorating and enjoying each others company. Some years it’s just my mom and I, and other years it’s 6 or 7 people. Sometimes we make our own gingerbread and it takes closer to a week, and sometimes we buy them all form stores. No matter what we do, the end result is always so fun. We leave it up for far longer than some might find acceptable (Can we consider February 1st the end of the holiday season?), just to enjoy the fruits of our labors.
Since the season of gingerbread is almost upon us, I thought I’d look back and see how the world got to the point of decorating gingerbread for the holiday season.
The history of the gingerbread house is a fascinating blend of folklore, culture, and culinary evolution, primarily tied to Europe. Gingerbread, as a concept, dates back to ancient civilizations. The use of ginger in cooking can be traced to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The spice was prized not just for its flavor, but for its medicinal properties.
In Europe, gingerbread became more widespread by the 11th century, particularly in medieval England and France. It was often flavored with honey and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. During this period, gingerbread was more of a molded or pressed confection, sometimes in the shape of figurines or religious symbols. By the 15th century, gingerbread had become a popular treat at fairs, markets, and festivals across Europe. In Germany, it was often baked into flat shapes resembling hearts, animals, or figures of saints.
The true turning point for the gingerbread house as we know it today came with the publication of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. In the story, the children stumble upon a house made entirely of candy, and while it’s not exactly a gingerbread house in the modern sense, the tale became deeply associated with the concept of edible homes. The popularity of the story helped cement the image of a “candy house” in the public imagination, setting the stage for the gingerbread house to become a Christmas tradition.
In the 19th century, the art of creating decorative gingerbread houses became popular in Germany, especially around Christmas time. German bakers, particularly in the region of Nuremberg, were known for making intricate gingerbread cookies that were often assembled into houses. The tradition spread to other parts of Europe and the United States as German immigrants brought their customs with them.
Gingerbread houses began appearing in the U.S. in the mid-1800s, particularly around Christmas. Wealthy families or those with skilled bakers would create elaborate gingerbread houses as a way to display their holiday cheer. These early gingerbread houses were usually more simple, with decorations of icing, candies, and sometimes colorful sugar crystals.
By the early 20th century, gingerbread house kits began to be sold commercially, which made it easier for families to recreate the tradition at home. These kits would include pre-baked gingerbread pieces, candy decorations, and icing for assembling the house. The trend grew in popularity, particularly in the mid-20th century, with gingerbread houses becoming a staple of holiday decorations.
Today, gingerbread houses are made in a wide variety of styles, ranging from simple homes decorated with a few colorful candies to elaborate, highly detailed structures that rival architectural designs. They have become an integral part of Christmas and holiday festivities in many countries, often used as a fun activity for families or communities. Some cities even hold gingerbread house competitions or festivals, showcasing the art of gingerbread construction.
Gingerbread houses have come to symbolize the warmth, joy, and sweetness of the holiday season. Their association with Hansel and Gretel taps into the idea of a whimsical, edible world, which evokes feelings of nostalgia and fairy-tale wonderment. The process of making a gingerbread house allows for creativity and imagination, as people decorate their houses with candies, icing, and other edible materials. It’s also seen as a way to connect with others, often done in groups or as a family tradition.
There is nothing better than spending the day with family and friends decorating and enjoying each others company. And at the end of the day we’ve created our very own gingerbread village that will bring joy and cheer all season long. Not to mention it fills the house with the most wonderful holiday smells.
Check back over the next few weeks because I’ll have more gingerbread related posts coming. I have plans for a gingerbread building, inspiration and tips post as well as the reveal of our 2024 gingerbread village. So far the plan this year is to use all store bought gingerbread to create our village.
One Response