Lent: Have a pretzel
According to a variety of different sources, pretzels were viewed as Lenten treats for several reasons.
They were made from a special dough consisting of only flour, salt and water since fat, eggs and milk were forbidden during Lent. They were shaped in the form of two arms crossed in prayer to remind people that Lent was a season of penance and devotion.
Often, pretzels were distributed to the poor during Lent. And one Web site says that the three holes in the pretzel are to represent the Trinity.
Obviously pretzels are now a year-round treat.
However, it’s interesting to realize that this particular treat, dubbed “the world’s oldest and most popular junk food” by the Web site newyorkcarver.com, is especially favored during the Lenten season.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
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