If you don’t think about gingerbread much outside of December, we don’t blame you. The sweet, spiced treat has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations – from gingerbread houses to angel-shaped cookies to ornaments for your tree. But this wasn’t always the case.
The history of gingerbread
The term “gingerbread” is derived from the Old French word “gigembras,” which roughly translates to “gingered food.” The later term “gyngebreed” came from Middle English, which was spoken between 1150 and 1450 A.D., and eventually evolved into “gingerbread.”
However, the origins of gingerbread are much older. Food historians have traced gingerbread back to ancient Egyptians, and even ancient Greeks, with the first known recipe dated to around 2400 B.C. The recipe evolved as it spread from Asia to Europe in the Middle Ages, as ginger and spices became available through trade.
Gingerbread houses as we know them today can be traced back to 1800s Germany, when German bakers were inspired by a line from the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale “…the house was built of bread, and roofed with cakes.” In later versions of the story, bread became gingerbread, and bakers began to use lebkuchen (spiced honey biscuits) to craft small, decorated houses. From there the love for gingerbread spread across Europe, and eventually, the world.
How it came to be associated with Christmas is not known for certain, but it has been suggested that Queen Victoria had a hand in this. She gave decorated gingerbread to her beloved dog for Christmas in 1833, and her husband Prince Albert would dress up as Saint Nicholas and gift their children gingerbread for being good.
As for gingerbread men, shaped gingerbread is often credited to Queen Elizabeth I, as her court would share biscuits made in the shapes of important guests.
Gingerbread now
There’s a reason Hosome is still going strong after 45 years of business. It’s because after thousands of years and countless iterations, gingerbread is still a beloved treat worldwide. Whether you’re giving a loved one an iced gingerbread heart on Valentine’s Day, or handing out chewy gingerbread men to the kids as an afternoon snack, it remains a gift that everyone loves to receive.
In recent years we’ve had orders for gingerbread as corporate gifts, party favours, and even personalised gift baskets. It always puts a smile on our faces when we receive orders for our gingerbread cottages and cubbies too – because we know what a fun, bonding experience making one is with friends or family. And who doesn’t love a good gingerbread house-making party?
Gingerbread remains a versatile treat for all occasions, even millennia after its invention. Regardless of age or culture, there are few people who won’t enjoy receiving gingerbread, which is what makes it the perfect gift at any time of the year. Head to our online store to start purchasing your next gingerbread treats!