Pretzels for Lent

From Catholic Culture:

The pretzel has a deep spiritual meaning for Lent. In fact, it was the ancient Christian Lenten bread as far back as the fourth century. In the old Roman Empire, the faithful kept a very strict fast all through Lent: no milk, no butter, no cheese, no eggs, no cream and no meat. They made small breads of water, flour and salt, to remind themselves that Lent was a time of prayer. They shaped these breads in the form of crossed arms for in those days they crossed their arms over the breast while praying. Therefore they called the breads "little arms" (bracellae). From this Latin word, the Germanic people later coined the term "pretzel."

Every Friday during Lent I make the boys pretzels for lunch.  It was a very simple tradition to add and one they eagerly look forward to.  We've done this for two years now, thanks to a suggestion from Michael that I find a recipe for those big soft pretzels you can get at the mall.  I managed to find the perfect one, conveniently titled "Mall Pretzels". 

Enjoy!

Comments

[Paula in MN]

We will be giving this a shot - we love pretzels!

[Mom]

Love the tradition, Meg - your boys are going to write a book about you...or just publish your blog! What time is lunch? I'll be right over!!!
Love and God bless,
Mom

[vicki]

Thanks for the recipe - I think I'll give it a try. I love soft pretzels!

I wonder if you could make pretzels into letters as a fun phonics lesson.