Part 5/8:
Pretzel History: More than Just a Snack
The pretzel's history pre-dates Oktoberfest and is rife with folklore. One whimsical tale suggests that in 610 AD, an Italian monk created the pretzel as a reward for children learning to pray. However, historical validity is dubious, with many regions claiming similar origins.
By the 12th century, pretzels had become prominent in Germany, appearing on baker's guild emblems. The earliest known illustration appears in an 1185 Alsatian encyclopedia, highlighting their intertwining with religious symbolism. The unique shape of pretzels also lent themselves to representing the Holy Trinity in Christian teachings.