The History of Pretzels

Pretzels have a surprisingly ancient and complex history! While some sources cite a 5th century illuminated manuscript as depicting the first pretzel, most historians claim the snack originated slightly later. In fact, legend has it that around 610 CE, a monk living in either Northern Italy or Southern France began handing out baked pieced of leftover bread that he’d twisted together as a reward for his students after learning their prayers. The unnamed monk twisted the bread into a shape resembling crossed arms — the traditional prayer pose. He also told his students that the three-holed treats represented the Trinity (The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He reportedly called them pretiola, a Latin word meaning “little rewards.” However, some scholars believe that the modern English word "pretzel" was derived not from pretiola, but from the Old German word brezitella, which itself is derived from the Latin word bracchiatus, meaning “arm.” During the Middle Ages, monks gave pretzels to the poor as a religious symbol and source of sustenance. Because of this, pretzels became associated with fulfillment, good fortune, and prosperity; they soon began showing up in Medieval art as a symbol of luck. They were also associated with Lent because they were made without eggs or dairy. According to the work of a 12th century German nun, pretzels were an important part of feasts, too. In 1529, Ottoman soldiers began the Siege of Vienna by tunnelling under the city at night. However, several monks were working in their monastery’s basement baking pretzels and heard the noise. The pretzel-making monks were able to alert authorities and the attack was thwarted; in gratitude, the Austrian emperor gave the pretzel bakers their own coat of arms. It featured angry lions holding a pretzel and can still be seen at many European pretzel shops today. Pretzels remain a popular snack in the modern world; in fact, they are regularly sold in grocery stores and specialty shops in many countries today.