The Pretzel

One of the most popular snacks in every household is definitely the pretzel. A carefully prepared dough of specially selected ingredients is formed into pretzels with a real twist, salted and slowly baked for extra crunchiness. The popular pretzel of today was developed long ago by a monk in about 610 AD at one of the monasteries in the mountains between Southern France and Northern Italy. After baking bread, this imaginative monk took leftover dough and rolled it into a strip and formed it to represent  a child’s arms folded in prayer. He called it “pretiola”, which is Latin for “little reward”, and gave it to the little children for learning their prayers. The Church prospered and this precious “pretiola” found its way over the Alps into Austria and Germany where it became affectionately known as “Bretzel” and the “Pretzel” as we know it today.

As you enjoy the delicious satisfaction of a pretzel snack, or a pretzel’s accompaniment to drinks, salads or other fond food items, remember that pretzels are baked not fried. So, have a clear conscience because ounce for ounce Pretzels have less fat and calories than many other snacks, including nuts, potato chips, cookies and cakes. They are a source of energy while still being low in fat, yet crisp, crunchy and plain good tasting.

'Bretzel' stained glass window in Frieburg's Münster Church.

Pretzels hold an honored place in the marriage ceremony. A wood cut dating 1614 and copied from a stained-glass window in a Cathedral in Berne Switzerland depicts the pretzel used as a nuptial knot in a royal marriage. After a while, wishing on a pretzel became common, particularly at weddings when the bride held one side of a pretzel and the groom held the other side. They pulled on a pretzel, and each got a piece in their hand, very much similar to what we do with a wishbone from a chicken after it’s been dried and washed clean. So, other than a tasty snack, the pretzel remind us that it is a symbol for excellence in many accomplishments, especially towards our children when they pray, and also as a symbol of love when used as a nuptial knot between couples.