Anastasia Abboud
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A LIttle Romance
Et nos cedamus amori. And we, too, shall yield to love. – Virgil

Medieval Snack Attack: Pretzels

2/20/2023

8 Comments

 
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Happy Medieval Monday! For me -- and for other Eastern Rite Christians -- it is also Ash Monday. Like Ash Wednesday, which is in two days, it marks the beginning of Lent.

It is a time for reflection, penance, good deeds, and fasting. But the Church is a lot easier on believers than it once was. The "recommendations" for fasting have relaxed through the centuries.

During the early medieval period, Lent was a time of gloomy deprivation with one small meal a day for forty days. Meat, dairy, even fish were forbidden, as were sweets of any kind. 

Pretzels, made with flour, water, and salt, were easy and acceptable additions to the Lenten diet. A few sources have suggested that the monk invented them during Lent. In many countries, they are still considered a traditional Lenten food.

Tradition has it that in the seventh century, a European monk shaped some leftover dough into pretiola, little rewards, to reward his young students for learning their prayers. Shaped like arms folded in prayer, they also represent the Holy Trinity. Pretzels are in a surprising variety of religious art, appearing even in paintings of The Last Supper. 
Pretzels caught on pretty fast. Monasteries and bakeries across Europe began producing them.  German immigrants likely introduced bretzels to America.

Nowadays, pretzels are enjoyed in all shapes, sizes, and flavors -- hard or soft, sweet or salty, large or small. From delicate, anise-flavored treats to butter and cheese-stuffed mini-meals to the little, crunchy ones found in the snack aisle of the supermarket, they are well-loved treats. 

I've always enjoyed the big, soft ones slathered in mustard, but I think I will be expanding my pretzel experience. Yummm. And you can bet I'll have some on hand this Lent.

For more Medieval Monday, be sure to visit the lovely medieval ladies Mary Morgan and Barbara Bettis.

Wishing you a wonderful day and week ahead!
Picture
Sundar1, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
8 Comments
Mary Morgan
2/20/2023 12:07:16

How fascinating, Anastasia! I did not know this about Lent and pretzels. I love these tasty snacks with mustard and melted cheese. Thanks so much for another wonderful post and Happy Medieval Monday!

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Anastasia
2/20/2023 21:54:41

We would so much fun on a date, you and me. :) Thank you for stopping by, Mary! Hugs!

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Barb Bettis
2/20/2023 22:31:06

Amazing!!! I never would have thought! Thanks for bringing this information to light. I love the cinnamon and sugar versions :) Have a great week!

Reply
Anastasia
2/25/2023 19:53:56

Hi, Barb! The cinnamon and sugar variety are indeed special! How could I forget about such deliciousness? :) Thank you for visiting!

Reply
Kim Janine Ligon link
2/21/2023 07:34:22

I'm a huge pretzel fan but I prefer naked straight salty ones! I always learn something from you. Thanks!

Reply
Anastasia
2/25/2023 19:59:00

Hi, Kim! Thank you -- I would say I am the one learning from you. You are such a sweet soul. And pretzel sticks? Growing up, they were always in our pantry -- such a handy, satisfying snack. :)

Reply
Ilona Fridl link
2/21/2023 10:32:32

Interesting history about pretzels! One of the few things that have survived through the centuries.

Reply
Anastasia
2/25/2023 19:59:58

Hi, Ilona! I hadn't thought of it that way. So true! They've been around a long time. :) Thank you for stopping by!

Reply



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