When most people think of the term “gingerbread,” they probably envision delicious baked goods such as gingerbread men or gingerbread houses. However, this category of baked foodstuffs is actually quite broad.

It encompasses foods that are flavored with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and sweetened with sugar, molasses, or honey. This means that the category includes not only the well-known gingerbread men and houses but also Austrian Christmas cookies, gingerbread cake, and other delectable gingerbread variations.

This is fortunate, considering that the second Saturday of December is Gingerbread Decorating Day, when people embellish all their favorite gingerbread baked goods. Now we have some very tempting options for celebrating this day.

The History of Gingerbread Decorating Day

According to oral tradition, gingerbread was introduced to Europe in the 10th century by the Armenian monk Gregory of Nicopolis. He left Nicopolis to live in Bondaroy and stayed there for about seven years.

During this time, he is said to have taught the art of gingerbread baking to the local people. Throughout the Middle Ages, gingerbread was a favored treat at fairs and festivals.

Gingerbread came to North America with European immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries. Sugar was extremely expensive at that time, so molasses was often used as the primary sweetener. This resulted in a gingerbread cake that was softer than traditional recipes made with honey.

The first printed American cookbook, “American Cookery” by Amelia Simmons (1796), contained seven different gingerbread recipes. Unfortunately, the origins of Gingerbread Decorating Day are not as well-documented as the history of gingerbread itself. While we may be familiar with the tradition of gingerbread decorating, the creator of this holiday and its initial location remain unknown.

Some Delicious Gingerbread Facts

Ready to enjoy some fun gingerbread facts before starting your next baking and decorating project? If so, then grab a glass of milk and savor the following tasty tidbits we’ve compiled for your enjoyment.

• National Gingerbread Day is celebrated on June 5th and November 21st.
• In Swedish tradition, it is customary to make wishes on gingerbread.
• After the Brothers Grimm published their collection of fairy tales in the 19th century, gingerbread became very popular in Germany.

Observing Gingerbread Decorating Day

Celebrating Gingerbread Decorating Day is quite simple. One needs only to embark on a new gingerbread baking endeavor and then decorate the finished product. This can include gingerbread cake, men, houses, cookies, or any other gingerbread baked good. Gingerbread aficionados can also promote this holiday by using the hashtag #GingerbreadDecoratingDay on social media.