What in the World is a “Sustainable” Gingerbread Home?

As kids, we are all taught the story of the gingerbread man—a little man who was baked as a snack and ran away. He made it a long way until a fox tricked him into making his escape only to be eaten by the said woodland creature. The history of the gingerbread man is diverse, and not all gingerbread is as taunting as the one made so famous in the children’s tale.

Gingerbread and the holidays have a long history together, although no one can seem to find out exactly when and where they merged. Its signature ingredient, ginger, was first used as medicinal in the B.C era in Malaysia as the root of the ginger plant served to soothe an upset stomach and prevent colds. In the ancient world, pre-Christian European folklore incorporated the ginger spice into its the winter solstice celebrations, and in the 1200’s AD when crusaders brought ginger root back from the Middle East, the ingredient became popular with Catholic monks who began to use the it during their holiday celebrations. The tradition of eating gingerbread during Christmas and Easter is believed to have come from these monks. Gingerbread men did not become popular, however, until the 1600’s. This treat, in the shape of little edible men, can be first credited to the court of Queen Elizabeth I, who had little cake men made in courtiers images. Queen Elizabeth I also had a flare for fine and glamorous decorations which is reflected in the decorations that adorned these treats (something she picked up from her father, Henry VIII).

Over the years, each European country developed their own version of the gingerbread dish, but it was not until the Brother’s Grimm fairytale Hansel and Gretel, that the popularity, production, and sale of gingerbread houses increased across Germany and the rest of Europe. Gingerbread houses became so popular that French and German governments sanctioned that only professional craftsmen would be able to build gingerbread houses during the 17th century. This rule was banned during the Christmas and Easter seasons, and it is believed that this is why we now make Gingerbread during the winter holidays. When the rush of Northern European immigrants settled in the United States, they brought the tradition of building gingerbread houses with them. While the tradition was initially rejected during the colonial era, it grew in popularity and by the year1800, it was a widespread tradition to make gingerbread treats to celebrate the New Year. Building houses themselves came as a tradition as German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania and brought with them the heritage that came from having the “Gingerbread House Capitol of the World” in their country. All religious affiliations aside, baking gingerbread and making gingerbread houses has become an American (and some might say world-wide) family holiday tradition

As the years have progressed, we have come to realize that there are many ways to incorporate the diverse religious and cultural traditions into our long-term societal goals. Gingerbread contests are no exception. They always have, and still do, incorporate an specific idea or a goal into their theme. A great example of how this works can be seen in the gingerbread contest sponsored by Hunterdon County, NJ, which has a category for “Most Accurate Reproduction of a Historical Site” (http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2009/10/red_mill_in_gingerbread_hunter.html). Sticking to one theme during these contests has several benefits. The number one benefit being that educational opportunities are presented to both children and adults in a fun way. Additionally, gingerbread contests are a great way for families to interact with one another, building communication skills and developing problem-solving and compromising skills. Furthermore, gingerbread contests are a great way to bring families and the community together.

This is the exact goal of the Essex County Environmental Center’s annual Sustainable Homes and Habitats Gingerbread Contest—to bring families and the community together, having fun while at the same time learning about nature and the environment. The goal of the Environmental Center’s contest is of course not to promote baking just any ordinary gingerbread house; rather these clever culinary creations must be a sustainable representation. You wonder, what in the world is a sustainable gingerbread house? Simply put, it is a model sustainable home made of all the fixin’s of a traditional gingerbread home—gingerbread, candy, cookies, icing, and other edible adornments.

The Sustainable Homes and Habitats Gingerbread Contest emphasizes learning about sustainable building and/or features that any home can add to become more energy efficient or eco-friendly. Contestants are challenged to do a little research and create an all edible gingerbread home with an eco-conscious flare. The rules of the contest are simple: children’s entries can be on a cardboard foundation, but all surfaces have to be edible, adult/professional entries have to be completely edible-decorations and base included. Each entry has to have at least three identifiable green building features, bases cannot exceed an area of 12x18”, and finally, each entry must be accompanied by an index card explaining its “green” elements. Prizes will be awarded in all categories. Registration as well as entries must be received by the Essex County Environmental Center NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2009. This contest poses a great opportunity to learn about steps both big and small that individuals and families can take to keep the Earth our healthy home. To register or for more information, please contact the Essex County Environmental Center at 973-228-8776 or email tcasella@parks.essexcountynj.org.