953 nut 57,904 #1 Posted March 30 Pretzel Sunday, or ‘Bretzelsonndeg,’ is celebrated on the fourth Sunday during Lent in Luxembourg. The actual date changes each year because it depends on Lent. Pretzel Sunday marks the middle of the Lenten season and can fall on any date between March 1 and April 4. Did you know? While some believe that the pretzel’s twist represents two lovers arm-in-arm, some believe that it symbolizes praying hands, and some claim the twisted pretzel’s three holes stand for the three entities of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The fourth Sunday during Lent is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, referring to the first word of the traditional mass introit of the day. It is also known as Mothering Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday, Rose Sunday, or Refreshment Sunday. Thanks to a traditional custom in Luxembourg, the day also has a special name, ‘Bretzelsonndeg,’ known in English as Pretzel Sunday. A pretzel is a type of baked product made from water, flour, and salt, and is commonly shaped into a twisted knot. It may also be garnished with almonds, nuts, or chocolate. It’s a popular pastry in Austria, Germany, Alsace, and the German-speaking parts of Luxembourg and Switzerland. Some sources claim that the term comes from the Latin word ‘brachium,’ meaning ‘arm,’ which then became the German word ‘bretzel’ or ‘brezel,’ and later evolved into the English word ‘pretzel.’ Some say they were originally called ‘bracellae,’ a Latin term meaning ‘little arms,’ from which German word ‘bretzel’ was later derived. Although there are several unreliable accounts of the origin of pretzel and its name, many believe that this unique baked food has Christian origins and was invented by European monks. 2 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
