Hey ya'll Beanie here.  Well it didn't work mom wouldn't get me a penguin, I am sooo bummed right now.   And what do I do when I'm bummed I think of food which great because today it National Pretzel Day.  Pretzels are soooo good whether you like them twisty or straight, just make sure to have plenty of cheese sauce or mustard for dipping.

So, until tomorrow have a great day in the sunshine and go enjoy a pretzel.

Luv ya, Beanie Marie

If you love a Pretzel, then National Pretzel Day on on April 26 is the day for you. Pretzels, somewhat surprisingly, 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. So there you have some National Pretzel Day history — with a twist!


WHEN IS NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY 2023?

The delicious knot-looped snack we all love is enjoyed on National Pretzel Day on April 26.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY
The origin of the pretzel dates back to 7th-century Catholic churches. The rules of abstinence and fasting during Lent were much stricter than today, forbidding Catholics from consuming dairy, eggs, or meat. This led to the creation of pretzels, which were the perfect food to eat without violating any rules, and they were easy to prepare.

The unique knotted shape of pretzels became a symbol of union in Switzerland in 1614, with weddings of royal couples featuring pretzels to represent the bond of matrimony. According to legend, this may also be where we get the phrase "tying the knot" from. The shape of a pretzel is also thought to signify joined hands during prayer. Today, pretzels are enjoyed as a snack and are a popular item on concession stands at carnivals, charcuterie boards, and all types of events. Hard pretzels are a relatively new invention, considered to have been first created in Pennsylvania by German immigrants. For this reason, pretzels are so beloved to Pennsylvanians, that the Governor of Pennsylvania Ed Rendell established April 26 as National Pretzel Day in 2003. Also, Pennsylvanians eat more pretzels per capita than any other state in the United States.

NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY TIMELINE

610 A.D.

Created for Praise Many believe that the pretzel was created by an Italian monk, who'd reward children for learning their prayers.

17th century

Well, It Looks Like a Heart The intertwined loops of the pretzel symbolize love in some parts of the world.

1800s

Pretzels Go Global Swiss and German immigrants introduce the pretzel to North America.

1850

Open For Business The first proper pretzel bakery opens in Lititz, Pennsylvania.  

PRETZELS BY THE NUMBERS
$550 million — the annual worth of the pretzel industry in the United States.

1.5 pounds — the average consumption of pretzels by the average American per year.

1993 — the year when Philadelphia opened a privately run Pretzel Museum.

1850 — The year when hard pretzels were first introduced in the United States.

12 — the number of times more that pretzels are consumed by the average Philadelphian as opposed to the national average. 

NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY ACTIVITIES

Go Bavarian
Did you need an excuse to head to your nearest 'biergarten'? You have one now. What better way to showcase pretzels, than with some good mustard, beer, and friends?

Pretzel crawl

Chances are, there are many restaurants and bars in your area showing off their pretzel prowess. Why not make a night of it and test out the local options?

DIY(P)

Watch one of the many YouTube videos and make your own pretzels. You'll be left feeling very satisfied at the end.