Gingerbread, with its warming spices and sweet honey, has been a staple of Christmas celebrations for centuries. This iconic cookie, often crafted into various shapes including people, stars, and Christmas trees, is not just a treat but a piece of Christmas heritage. The gingerbread man, in particular, holds a special place in holiday lore, symbolizing innocence and bravery. The bakery China will show you the story of gingerbread man.

The origin of gingerbread can be traced back to the Southeast Asia, where ginger was first cultivated. It was later introduced to Europe by the Crusaders and became a luxury item, used sparingly due to its scarcity. The unique spiciness of ginger led to its incorporation into bread and biscuits, which not only gave these foods a distinctive flavor but also extended their shelf life.

In Germany, gingerbread took on a religious significance. Monks in the 13th century would make gingerbread and distribute it to the faithful during Christmas and Easter. The production was strictly regulated, with only specialized gingerbread bakers allowed to make it, turning it into a cherished tradition for households to enjoy during the festive season.

The gingerbread man as we know it today is said to have originated from a whimsical idea by Queen Elizabeth I of England. She ordered her bakers to create gingerbread men in the likeness of her guests for a Christmas feast, a custom that quickly spread across Europe.

A popular tale tells the story of a gingerbread man who comes to life and escapes from being eaten. Despite his efforts, he is eventually outwitted and eaten by a sly fox. This story has become a symbol of the Christmas spirit, embodying the joy and mischief of the season.

Another beautiful story revolves around the tradition of eating gingerbread under the Christmas tree to ensure a year of togetherness with a loved one. In some towns, gingerbread men and women are made to represent lovers who are searching for each other, a heartwarming tale that adds a layer of romance to the holiday.

Today, gingerbread men have become a global Christmas gift, with adults giving them to children or placing them in Christmas stockings as tokens of good wishes. From France, where gingerbread is given in various shapes to children, to the United States, where gingerbread houses are a festive staple, the gingerbread man remains a symbol of the season's joy and warmth.

Bakery China 2025 will continue to share more industry professional content with you, so please stay tuned!

Bakery China 2025, organized by China Association of Bakery and Confectionery Industry (CABCI) and Bakery China Exhibitions Co., Ltd. was launched since 1997. Bakery China 2025 is the Asia Pacific's leading event serving the entire value chain for the bakery and confectionery market. The event presents all range of ingredient, equipment, packaging and services, and enables global leading professionals and buyer delegates to meet and share the latest innovations and thinking on manufacturing & distribution, R&D, applications and related services for bakery industry. It is the first-choice trade fair to enter China's bakery market.

（source: Global Baking Guide）