Cream shortening and sugar in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer in a large bowl. Allow it to mix for a good 2-3 minutes until it's really creamy, and all the sugar is incorporated. 

Add molasses, and water, and continue to blend until creamy. 

In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, soda and spices. Whisk together, then sift into molasses mixture. 

Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. 

Transfer dough to a large container that has a lid. (Or place on saran wrap and wrap up tightly.) Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

After dough has chilled, remove from refrigerator. Place on silpat or roll on parchment paper. Cut out cookies. If cutting on parchment paper, remove excess dough and place parchment paper, without cutout dough on cookie sheet.  

Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on cookie sheet, then transfer to cooling rack. Decorate if desired, once completely cooled.