Where did the gingerbread house tradition originate?

what a lovely story, its interesting to hear more about the tradition of gingerbread houses. my youngest son and I used to make one every year when he was in primary school, one for home and one for school.

I only got this one right because I thought of Hansel and Gretel.

We still bake gingerbread houses and cookies every Christmas. it's so good!My grandson loves them with lots of spice.