The Virgil and Josephine Gordon Memorial Library will have a gingerbread house contest during this year’s Fantasy of Lights. This contest is a great reason to spend quality time with loved ones and show off your crafting skills! You can find all of the Gingerbread Contest information HERE. The history of gingerbread houses is as delightful as the treats themselves, with roots that stretch back centuries and a story that’s just as colorful as those candy decorations that adorn the house.
Where Gingerbread Began
Believe it or not, gingerbread has been around since ancient times! The Greeks and Egyptians made spiced honey cakes for special ceremonies thousands of years ago. When ginger made its way to Europe during the Middle Ages, bakers turned these simple cakes into something truly special. The warm, spiced flavor we associate with gingerbread became a hit, and bakers across Europe started shaping it into intricate designs for religious festivals and celebrations.
Germany’s Gingerbread Magic
The gingerbread house, as we know it, really took off in Germany. By the 16th century, German bakers were masters at creating stunning gingerbread cookies and designs. Enter Hansel and Gretel, the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale from 1812. The story of two kids discovering a witch’s house made entirely of sweets and gingerbread captured imaginations everywhere. Inspired by the tale, German bakers began making their own edible houses, complete with frosting snow and candy details. Before long, gingerbread houses became a beloved part of Christmas celebrations.
Gingerbread Comes to America
When German immigrants brought their love of gingerbread to America in the 19th century, the tradition of making gingerbread houses followed. It didn’t take long for the rest of the country to fall in love with this fun, festive activity. Today, building gingerbread houses is a holiday must-do, whether you’re keeping it simple or going all out with a show-stopping design.
Why We Still Love Gingerbread Houses
What makes gingerbread houses so special? For starters, they’re a perfect mix of creativity and family fun. From picking out candy decorations to sneaking a few gumdrops, it’s an activity everyone can enjoy. And let’s be honest—there’s something magical about building a little house that’s good enough to eat!
So, the next time you’re icing a roof or sticking on some candy windows, remember: you’re part of a tradition that started with ancient bakers and got a big boost from a fairy tale about a candy-covered cottage. Gingerbread houses may be old-fashioned, but they’re the kind of fun that never goes out of style!
