Pretzels were invented by monks, used for the teaching of religion, to feed the poor, and to symbolize the marriage bond.

The monks used the inter-connected sections of the “pretiola” (literally, “little prayers”) to help the children understand the Christian Trinity of “Father, Son and Holy Ghost.” Their success with the re-shaped crusts spread to monasteries far and wide, and soon the pretzel became an important symbol in church life. A page from the prayerbook of Catherine of Cleves depicts St. Bartholomew surrounded by pretzels, which were thought to bring good fortune, prosperity and spiritual wholeness to those who ate them.

—Pretzel history: some little known facts

I Saw a great piece this morning on the invention and history of the pretzel on the CBS Sunday Morning show. I’ve always loved pretzels but was never aware of their religious origins. Pretty cool!

Painting: Battle of Carnival and Lent By Brueghel, Pieter (the Younger)

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