While there’s no shortage of customs and traditions that have been imported to America over the years, there’s one that has been conspicuously absent from observation. With the month of March being synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, there’s another celebration that started across the Atlantic that we’re here to discuss. It’s called Bretzelsonndeg. Also known as Pretzel Sunday, this tradition which began in the 18th century in Luxembourg coincides with the Catholic tradition of Lent. For 2023, this holiday will be observed on the 19th day of the month.
Bretzelsonndeg might not be as popular as some of the other Catholic traditions that have made their way over to America. Still, to those who live in German-speaking countries, the celebration is an important one. Believe it or not, the pretzel, while being a popular snack food, actually began its existence as a religious offering. Monks began making treats for their students as a reward for their due diligence. These were originally in the shape of a cross but were later molded into a know with three distinctive holes. These were meant to symbolize the three parts of the holy trinity, father, son, and holy spirit.
While the tradition is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, there is another tradition that’s observed on pretzel Sunday as well. And, believe it or not, this is a gesture of romance and affection between two individuals. On Sunday, as is tradition, a young man presents his potential love interest with a pretzel. If his love interest wants to return the affection, she does so in the form of a chocolate-covered egg. However, if she deems him unworthy of her love, she returns an empty basket. This is the origin of the European expression “to be given the basket.”
Whether or not you ascribe to the Catholic tradition, you can still partake in the celebration of pretzel Sunday. How? Why, by taking a few moments and enjoying these salty snack-sized morsels of greatness, of course. Whether it’s over a sudsy beverage or munching on your won, there’s no better time to enjoy a pretzel!
What happens when the most popular snack food in existence is infused with the flavors of craft beer? You get craft-beer-inspired pretzels! This is what we accelerate at, and at Boardwalk Food Co., we can stock your location with the very best. For more information about placing an order, visit us at boardwalkfoodco.com.
