National Pretzel Day is observed annually on April 26, and many restaurants that sell the twisty treats are offering them for free or discounted prices to celebrate.
Starting in 2003, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell declared April 26 as “National Pretzel Day” to acknowledge the importance of the pretzel to the state’s history and economy.
There are a few different accounts of the origin of the pretzel. Many people agree that it does have a Christian background, and they were invented by the monks. According to "The History of Science and Technology," in 610 AD, “an Italian monk invent[ed] pretzels as a reward to children who learn their prayers." He calls the strips of baked dough, folded to resemble arms crossing the chest, "pretiola" (little rewards).
Another source puts the invention in a monastery in southern France. The looped pretzel may also be related to a Greek ring bread from the communion bread used in monasteries 1,000 years ago. In the Catholic Church, pretzels had a religious significance for both ingredients and shape. The loops in pretzels may have served a practical purpose — bakers could hang them on sticks, projecting upwards from a central column.
The Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants introduced pretzels to North America in the 19th century. At this time, many handmade pretzel bakeries populated central Pennsylvania and their popularity quickly spread.
To celebrate, here's some places around Central Indiana where pretzels are free or discounted on National Pretzel Day.
Auntie Anne’s: This pretzel retailer will be offering customers who sign up for its My Pretzel Perks app their choice of one free original or cinnamon sugar pretzel, starting April 26 and running through May 1. Plus, five app users will be selected to receive free pretzels for a year. The winners of that prize will be announced on National Pretzel Day. Auntie Anne's is located in the Muncie Mall.
Wetzel’s Pretzels: Customers here can get a free original pretzel April 26 anytime during store hours. And if you’re a social media fan of Wetzel’s Pretzels, you can get a free upgrade to Pizza Bitz, pretzel bites topped with cheese and pepperoni. Wetzel's is located in Greenwood and Indianapolis.
Ben's Pretzels: The Amish pretzel chain — which started in Elkhart, Ind. — is celebrating National Pretzel Day on April 26 by giving away Free Pretzels with a minimum $1 donation to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund at participating locations. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a non-profit organization that provides support to United States military personnel and their families. Ben's Pretzels will also be giving away a year’s worth of free pretzels to one fan via a contest app on their Facebook page. Ben's Pretzels is located in the Northside Muncie Walmart.
L.A. Pittenger Student Center: Ball State's student center is celebrating National Pretzel Day with freshly made pretzels. While the pretzels do come at a cost, meal plans, cardinal cash and dining plus can be used to purchase them.
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