Friends, mark your calendars and set your reminders because the long-awaited National Pretzel Day is right around the corner! On April 26th, millions of pretzel lovers across America come together to celebrate their favorite twisted treat. This special holiday is the perfect opportunity for you to honor your passion for pretzels, and with today’s variety of forms and flavors, there are so many ways to celebrate! Before we can fully appreciate National Pretzel Day, it’s important to understand the complex history of this beloved snack.
The History of Pretzels
The origins of the pretzel can be traced all the way back to the 7th century. The story begins in Northern Italy, by a Christian monk who supposedly created soft, little pretzels as a reward for children that learned their prayers. He aptly named these treats pretolia, or ‘little rewards’.
Fast forward to 12th century Germany, pretzels, also known as ‘brezels’, were becoming so popular that the treat’s knotted shape was featured on the crests (like a logo) of many German baker’s guilds (like a union). The snack became a symbol of good luck, as it was used by German children to celebrate holidays like Christmas and New Years, which eventually associated pretzels with Christianity. In fact, by the 16th century, it became a German tradition to eat pretzels on Good Friday, most likely to represent the three knots of the Holy Trinity.
During the 18th century, pretzels finally found their way into America. German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania started bakeries to sell pretzels, which quickly became a popular treat among Americans. The German immigrants, or Pennsylvania Dutch, helped establish the state of Pennsylvania as the main producer of pretzels in all of North America, and even today, the home state of pretzels is responsible for more than 80% of all pretzels made in America!
Finally, on April 26th, 2003 Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell proclaimed a new holiday - National Pretzel Day, in honor of the vital role of the pretzel in the state's history and economy. Since then, pretzel lovers all over the country, and even the world, have joined Pennsylvanians in celebrating this special holiday.
How Can You Celebrate Pretzels?
Do you have a passion for pretzels? If so, join us in celebrating National Pretzel Day this year! This special holiday is really what you make of it, so don’t forget to have fun with it! Throw a pretzel-themed party, featuring a variety of today’s diverse pretzel flavors, or make homemade soft pretzels with the family! For the best homemade pretzel recipes, be sure to check out our favorite recipes for holiday parties and pretzel treats. Not into cooking? Don’t worry, there are so many ways to celebrate National Pretzel Day without getting your hands dirty. Pretzel gifts are perfect for celebrating any occasion, specifically National Pretzel Day! Sending a gift of gourmet pretzels has never been easier; Visit our shop here and select from 50+ irresistible pretzel flavors, or our popular Sampler Pack, to send to a friend or a loved one on this special holiday!
To pretzel enthusiasts at home and around the world, we wish you a happy National Pretzel Day. On April 26th, tag us on social media to show us how you’re celebrating!
