In terms of celebrations, National Pretzel Day (April 26th) is right up there with National Donut Day, amiright? Both are holidays that celebrate curvy, carb-loaded snacks. However you’re choosing to celebrate this joyous, time-honored tradition though, we do hope you charm your friends with the totally twisted pretzel facts below, infused with our royalty-free stock images, of course. Enjoy.
FACT #1: MONK-Y BUSINESS
European monks created the world’s first pretzels in medieval times.
They used bits of leftover dough, and twisted them into shapes representing a child’s arms in prayer.
FACT #2: GOOD LUCK WITH THAT
An old German tradition encourages children to tie pretzels on a string around their necks at the beginning of a new year.
It is believed to bring prosperity, health, and good fortune in the year ahead.
FACT #3: A LOT OF DOUGH
According to Reuters.com, over $550 million worth of pretzels are sold in the United States every year.
FACT #4: BURNT OFFERINGS
The world’s first hard pretzel was an accident.
A 17th century pretzel baker in Pennsylvania over-baked a batch … and ate them anyway.
And, whaddaya know, he liked them.
FACT #5: THE COMMONWEALTH OF PRETZELVANIA
The average American gobbles up to two pounds of pretzels per year.
Philadelphians, specifically, snack on about 12 pounds per person each year, leading the nation.
FACT #6: IN SNACKNESS AND IN HEALTH
The phrase “tying the knot” was coined by our fine friends in Switzerland, who still seek to include pretzels in their wedding ceremonies.
FACT #7: A BIG TWIST
The largest pretzel ever baked weighed 40 lbs, and measured 5 ft across.
It was created by Joe Nacchio of Federal Baking, Philadelphia, PA. Go Joe! (It’s not the one shown here, but this still looks pretty big.)
And, for more twisted goodness, be sure to check out our very special PretzelMania collection below, filled with royalty-free photos of pretzels and the images used in our post. Enjoy.
Header image by Bigstock contributor Devon.
