NATIONAL GINGERBREAD DAY | June 5
‘Tis the season to celebrate National Gingerbread Day. While that may sound strange, on June 5th each year, gingerbread lovers across the country celebrate by sampling their favorite recipes and gingerbread treats. Whether in the form of bread, cakes, bars, biscuits, or cookies, they’re delicious any time of year.
#NationalGingerbreadDay
The term “gingerbread” originally referred to preserved ginger, later referring to a confection made up of honey and spices.
Gingerbread is a sweet food that typically uses honey or molasses rather than just sugar and is flavored with ginger. Gingerbread foods range from a soft, moist loaf cake to something closer to a ginger biscuit.
It is believed that gingerbread was first brought to Europe in 992 by an Armenian monk. He lived there for seven years teaching gingerbread cooking to the French priests and Christians until his death in 999.
Sources indicate that in 1444, Swedish nuns were baking gingerbread to ease indigestion.
In the 17th century, gingerbread biscuits were sold in monasteries, pharmacies and town square farmers markets. During the 18th century, gingerbread became widely available.
HOW TO OBSERVE National Gingerbread Day
Break out your favorite gingerbread recipe. Another way to celebrate is by visiting your local bakery. Pick out a variety of gingerbread treats to share. Be sure to give your bakery a shout out, too! We even have a few recipes for you to try. It’s not just for cookies, you know. Here is our list of favorite ways to enjoy gingerbread.
Favorite Old Fashioned Gingerbread
Gingerbread Pancakes with Fruit Topping
Gingerbread-Cupcakes-Holiday Gingerbread Cupcakes
Use #NationalGingerbreadDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL GINGERBREAD DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this baked-good holiday. In the meantime, don’t forget these other gingerbread holidays:
June 5th Celebrated History
1893
The Orient Express departs from Paris on its first regularly scheduled service.
1956
Elvis Presley appears on The Milton Berle Show and performs his new single, “Hound Dog.” His gyrations prove to be scandalous but propel him into Rock and Roll history.
1981
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the first five cases of AIDS. At the time, the five patients located in Los Angeles, California, were reported as having a rare strain of pneumonia only found in those with weakened immune systems.
June 5th Celebrated Birthdays
Pancho Villa – 1878
The Mexican revolutionary general became a notorious bandit who joined an uprising against Mexican dictator, Porfirio Diaz. In the U.S., he became known for his battles with U.S. troops and a 1916 attack on Columbus, New Mexico.
Ruth Benedict – 1887
The American anthropologist who studied Southwest Native American cultures is best known for interpreter ability.
Bill Moyers – 1934
The American Journalist served as President Lyndon B. Johnson’s press secretary. His career has spanned more than 55 years including commentating and hosting several television news shows and publishing
numerous books.
Ken Follett – 1949
The Welsh author has published several thrillers and historical novels including The Pillars of the Earth.
Richard Scarry – 1953
The children’s author created a world of anthropomorphic characters who live in Busytown. From Lowly Worm to Miss Honey and Doctor Lion, Scarry’s stories took children on adventures and taught reading, colors, and manners along with many other things.
