The History of Gingersnaps

Early versions of gingersnaps were served during Colonial times and were originally brought over by the European colonists. The American-style gingersnap developed from the German cookie, lebkuchen. In fact, the name gingersnap is thought to be derived from the German word snappen, meaning “to seize quickly.” Colonial bakers would make the cookies using butter, flour, and molasses, which was a by-product of making both rum and sugar and relatively easy to come by in the Colonies. Even after the Revolutionary War, gingersnaps remained a popular cookie in the fledging nation and even became associated with a few specific traditions, including Christmas festivities. The cookies were also associated with Muster Day. In the early days of the United States of America, the federal government had to rely on local militias to enforce laws across the geographically separated communities that made up the new nation. In order to boost enlistment numbers, a law was passed in 1792 that required all white males aged 18 – 45 to enlist in their local militia. The annual enlistment day was referred to as Muster Day, when men would “muster up” the courage to enlist. (The term muster is also notably used in the phrase “pass muster,” which means to pass military inspection.) On this date, town-wide celebrations were held and gingersnaps and rum were traditionally offered as refreshments to the enlisted men. Muster Day celebrations were routinely held up until the outbreak of the Civil War and gingersnaps remained a traditional part of the festivities. Over time, this association faded away, but the popularity of the cookies remained. Today, gingersnaps are simply thought of as a crunchy, well-spiced type of cookie and are especially popular around the holidays.