Welcome back to our series featuring Food Holidays: April 26th, 2022. Did you know today is National Pretzel Day? I don’t know about you, but I will eat Pretzels once in a while but not ones sold in a mall. Not only that I don’t want to dip my Pretzel in anything although some dips are good with Pretzels. How about you?
Five Finds about Pretzels
- The first Pretzel was created in 610 A.D. by a Monk in southern France or Northern Italy. The Pretzel was originally called a ‘pretiola’ and was renamed ‘pretzel’ later when the idea migrated to Germany and Austria.
- In 1861, Pretzel twisting was the second highest-paying job in the Philadelphia region. Today, machines do the twisting. Although at some artisan Pretzel Shops, tourists can still see Pretzel twisting done the old-fashioned way.
- The birthplace of the hard Pretzel was Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Pretzel, or Bretzel as it was called then, first came to America in 1710 with Palatine German immigrants from the Rhineland who settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and became known, incorrectly, as the “Pennsylvania Dutch.”
- In the 18th Century, German children would wear Pretzel necklaces at the beginning of a New Year for prosperity, health and good fortune.
- In the 17th Century, Pretzels were known as a marriage knot. During a Wedding Ceremony, a couple would wish upon a Pretzel. Then they would break the Pretzel like a wishbone and eat the Pretzel to signify their oneness. It is speculated that the term, “tying the knot,” originated in Switzerland in 1614 during a Wedding between two prominent families.
If you love a Pretzel, then National Pretzel Day which is celebrated on April 26th is the day for you. Pretzels got their start in the Catholic Church. Sometime around the 7th Century A.D., Monks presented their students with treats of Baked Dough twisted in the shape of crossed arms. At the time, crossing one’s arms was the traditional posture for Prayer. Not only that, but Pretzels, made from Water, Flour and Salt, were also the perfect food for Lent. When meat, dairy and Eggs were prohibited.
NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY ACTIVITIES
- Did you need an excuse to head to your nearest ‘Biergarten’? Then you have one now. What better way to showcase Pretzels, than with Mustard, Beer, and friends?
- Chances are, Restaurants and Bars in your area are showing off Pretzel recipes. Why not make a night of it and test out the local options?
- Watch a YouTube video and make your own Pretzels.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY
- There’s something satisfying about the carb-y insides, the toothsome exterior crust, the crunchy salt on top of Pretzels. Which bring together a bunch of taste sensations that make the Pretzel a enjoyable snack.
- TPretzels are just fun to eat. Hard or soft, and even on their own. But Pretzels really go to the next level when you pair them with Peanut Butter, Cheese Sauce, or Mustard.
- Pretzels, no, matter where you are, don’t cost more than $5. Whether at the office, or mall Pretzels can power you through the day.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
