On a Friday during Lent, these cute girls came over for some fun and pretzel making.
One of the girls brought their Japanese students to hang out with us. They were so cute and eager to be here.
I found out that many people make pretzels during Lent. The pretzel symbolizes arms being folded in prayer.
The pretzels were so delicious - finally came up with the most delicious and easiest pretzel recipe.
Family Activity for Lent:
Making Pretzels
by Marcia Floding
Pretzels have an important meaning
during Lent. Pretzels were made in the fifth century as a Lenten food in
Austria, Germany, and Poland. People began to make them on Ash Wednesday, the
very first day of Lent. The word "pretzel" is a German word meaning
"little arms." The dough was shaped in such a way to look like two
arms crossed in prayer.
Pretzels were made to take the place
of bread, since milk, eggs, and fats were not used during Lent. On certain days
during Lent it was the custom to give pretzels to the townspeople who were
poor.
As a family, make some pretzels. Two
variations for making pretzels are included on the back of this sheet. Enjoy
the pretzels and let them remind you that Lent is a time of prayer.
Before you
eat the pretzels, say a prayer together:
Dear God, we ask you to bless these
pretzels which we are about to eat. Each time we eat them may we be reminded
that this is the season of Lent, a time of prayer. Help us to remember to pray
for those who need our prayers each day. Keep your loving arms around us, O
God, to protect us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Adapted from "Pretzel
Prayer," A Time of Hope: Family Celebrations
and Activities for Lent and Easter, Morehouse-Barlow Co., Inc., 1979 (out of
print).
