This week fresh on learning the Lord’s Prayers, the children will talk more about prayer and make pretzels.
“A Pretzel to remind us of arms crossed in prayer is a lenten treat for us to share!”
The word “pretzel” comes from the German translation of the Latin word for little arms, “bracellae.”
Pretzels for Lent date back to the early Church, perhaps sometime in the 4th century. During that time it was common for Christians to fast during the season, abstaining from meat, dairy, fats, and sweets. These quick breads are made with only a tiny bit of sugar (or honey, if you prefer) to activate the yeast and no fat – they are entirely flour, water and yeast!
Another story places the origin of the word in “pretiola” which means little reward, so pretzels might have been given as an award to a child who had learned her prayers. Appropriate for this class.