Where does the shape of pretzels come from?

I wonder where the shape of pretzels originated.

My guesses:

The holes make it easy to put them on a stick or rope and store them in a place (under the roof?) where mice would not get it.
Originally the pretzel was a long thin stick, but it was impractical to transport. The pretzel shape provided stability to carry it around. It could be broken into smaller stick-like pieces and eaten.
It resembles some symbol.
Just for fun, because the kids liked it.

Best Answer

According to the Wikipedia article, the following is a likely story (or something similar to it, anyway) but may not be exactly right:

The very beginning of this youtube video of Alton Brown's Good Eats explains it rather well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZR_evWiDbY

Essentially, it was created by a monk as a reward for children who did their daily prayers. The shape looks somewhat like a person folding their arms across their chest, which is an older way to pray.

There is also the possibility that the loops make it practical to hang on sticks, more for display than for keeping the food safe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretzel

Pictures about "Where does the shape of pretzels come from?"

Where does the shape of pretzels come from? - Person Decorating a Triangle Shaped Brown Cookie

Quick Answer about "Where does the shape of pretzels come from?"

The legend of the pretzel The Catholic Church claims that a monk in Northern Italy created pretzels by using left-over dough that was originally made for Lent. He created the signature pretzel shape because it was meant to symbolize a child praying with his arms folded across his chest.

What does the pretzel shape symbolize?

Seen as a symbol of good luck, prosperity and spiritual fulfillment, pretzels were also commonly distributed to the poor, as a way of providing them with both spiritual and literal sustenance.

What is the symbolism behind the knotted shape of the pretzel?

They came to be seen as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. The three holes in the traditional pretzel shape have also taken on religious meaning over the years. These are sometimes seen as being representative of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

How to shape a pretzel

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