Legend says Italian monks first invented pretzels almost 1,500 years ago. Back then, Christians crossed their arms during prayer, and pretzel’s twisty shape symbolized that posture. When children did well in Bible school, they were given – you guessed it – pretzels. Later, pretzels became a good luck charm associated with long life and prosperity.
 

In 1510, pretzels did indeed bring good luck to Vienna, Austria’s capital city. Monks baking pretzels in a monastery basement heard Turkish invaders digging tunnels under the city. The monks warned Vienna’s residents, and the city fought off the invaders.

Pretzels were also given out at weddings to symbolize eternal love, and children would wear little versions of them around their neck at New Years for a lucky future.

Some experts think the pretzel first came to America with the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. Others think the Bavarian Germans, for whom beer and pretzels are an essential part of the diet, brought them when they immigrated to the U.S.

​Who would have thought that a bit of baked dough sold at food carts had such a history?

 

Germany

Germany is a country in Europe with borders to many different countries. France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Austria are among them. Many important thinkers, scientist, poets, musicians and artists came from Germany. Unfortunately Germany has had a dark history in the last 100 years, starting the two devastating world wars. Today the country is one of the most important players in the European Union and the world because it has such a strong economy.