Gingerbread Decorating Day – December 12

The origins of Gingerbread Decorating Day remain a delightful mystery, but the history of gingerbread itself is a fascinating journey through time. Gingerbread was first introduced to Europe in the 10th century by Gregory of Nicopolis, an Armenian monk who brought aromatic spices from the Middle East. Gregory taught the art of gingerbread making to French Christians, combining spices and molasses to create a flavorful and unique confection.

By the 13th century, gingerbread had gained widespread popularity. In Sweden, nuns baked gingerbread not only as a tasty treat but also as a remedy for indigestion. Sweden is also credited with pioneering the decorative aspect of gingerbread, where intricately painted cookies were used as charming window ornaments.

Around the same time, gingerbread made its way to the Polish city of Toruń. The region’s high-quality honey added a distinctive flavor to the cookies, earning them the name “Pierniki Toruńskie.” These gingerbread treats became a symbol of Polish cuisine and remain a beloved tradition to this day.

In England, the 17th century saw gingerbread being sold in monasteries and pharmacies, where it was believed to have medicinal properties. Strict regulations allowed only professional bakers to craft gingerbread, with special exceptions during Easter and Christmas when everyone could participate in the tradition.

Gingerbread’s cultural significance was immortalized in William Shakespeare’s play Love’s Labor’s Lost, where it is fondly mentioned. In 1875, the gingerbread man became a holiday icon through a fairy tale published in St. Nicholas Magazine. This whimsical story introduced the world to the now-famous gingerbread man, whose adventures (and misadventures) continue to delight children and adults alike.