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The roots of the hard pretzel are in Pennsylvania. Legend has is that the creation of the hard pretzel was an accident. A baker’s apprentice fell asleep while baking a batch of soft pretzels. When he awoke, the fire in the hearth had died. He rekindled the fire, believing that the soft pretzels had not baked long enough and ended up baking them twice as long. This resulted in pretzels that were hard, crunchy and delicious!
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In 610 A.D., an Italian monk is believed to have created the soft pretzel from leftover strips of unleavened bread dough from Lent. This bread dough was then twisted to represent arms crossing the chest. The purpose was to create a treat that would be given as a reward to youngsters for learning prayers. This soft pretzel was known as a prestiola or “little reward.”
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The pretzel has come to symbolize different meanings to people. Some cultures and religions have placed unique significance on the pretzel. While there is not one standard origin for the traditional three hole pretzel shape, various theories demonstrate the value that different cultures have placed on this twisty shape over the course of history. | |
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The pretzel has religious significance in the Catholic church, particularly during the Lenten season. Historically, pretzels served as a reminder to pray.
Some Christians believe that the shape of the pretzel was created to represent the folded arms of a praying monk. The three holes are considered to represent the Christian Holy Trinity.
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Some historians believe that shape of the pretzel was determined by Native Americans. As a way of surviving harsh winters with food that would not be perishable, the pretzel was created as a bread that could be consumed through the winter. The shape was created as a method of keep the bread away from the animals. It was designed with the loops so that the pretzels could be hung high on ropes suspended from trees.
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