GINGERBREAD

The old traditions of the Vilnius area are reflected in the baking of
gingerbread cookies and “pierniki.” These pastries of various
shapes and sizes are enjoyed by both children and adults. You can
spice up any celebration by writing various wishes or names on
gingerbread cookies.
The gingerbread tradition has been alive since the Middle Ages.
This was perhaps the first confectionery to become wide-spread
and popular throughout Europe. In many countries, gingerbread
figurines are made during the Christmas season. In Lithuania,
they are not only made for Christmas festivities, but also sold at
markets during church festivals and feasts.
Real gingerbread cookies are made using recipes handed down
by parents and grandparents, and every baker tries to give them
the most attractive, interesting shapes, often decorating them
with colourful glazing. Among the most popular are heart and star
shapes, as well as horse, bird and human figures. The so-called
Vilnius gingerbread is made with natural honey and butter, while
a variation of it called “pierniki” — traditional light-coloured
gingerbread cookies with a special shape — are made without
honey, and are sometimes glazed. The first “pierniki,” associated
with the Toruń region, were baked by Lithuanian girls held in
captivity by the Teutons. The grand magister realised that keeping
captives is a tough job, and in 1312 decided to build a Benedictine
monastery for the Lithuanian women to settle in. One of these
humble women was Katarzyna (known as Kotryna back in
Lithuania), who used to bake gingerbread cookies with various
spices once every month.
Since ancient times, it has become customary to bring back a
special gingerbread cookie, the “Heart of St. Casimir,” after visiting
the major festival in Vilnius area, known as St. Casimir’s Fair.
These can be had in all shapes and sizes: brown with honey, white
with mint leaves or even pink with cranberries. You can also get
one with the name of your loved one written in glazing. Moreover,
some gingerbread cookies have long inscriptions — the most
beautiful wishes and confessions of love. Examples include: “Little
berry, please take my heart”; “I have no gold, so I gift you heart”;
“Tell me, dear, may I knock on the door to your heart?”; “I miss
you, tell me whether you’ll be mine…”; “You are the only one for
me!”; “Kiss me….”