- Joined
- May 12, 2010
- Location
- Now Florida but always a Kentuckian
Gingerbread can be traced to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. It came to Europe in the 11th century when the Crusaders brought the spice back from the Middle East. Ginger became very popular in Europe.
It is said Queen Elizabeth I had the first gingerbread men made. She had the likeness of visiting dignitaries made into gingerbread men.
Gingerbread men were tied with ribbons and sold at English fairs. They became popular as tokens of love.
Gingerbread Houses became popular in Germany after the Brothers Grimm published their fairy tale, "Hansel and Gretel" in the 19th century.
Early German settlers brought the gingerbread house to America. The House caught on in America and even today they are still made at Christmastime. There are Gingerbread House shows across the country and contests as to the best house.
From: The History of Gingerbread at:
http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/crossculturaldesserts/a/gingerbread
It is said Queen Elizabeth I had the first gingerbread men made. She had the likeness of visiting dignitaries made into gingerbread men.
Gingerbread men were tied with ribbons and sold at English fairs. They became popular as tokens of love.
Gingerbread Houses became popular in Germany after the Brothers Grimm published their fairy tale, "Hansel and Gretel" in the 19th century.
Early German settlers brought the gingerbread house to America. The House caught on in America and even today they are still made at Christmastime. There are Gingerbread House shows across the country and contests as to the best house.
From: The History of Gingerbread at:
http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/crossculturaldesserts/a/gingerbread
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