Pretzel Day 2019: Where to Get Freebies and Deals, Pretzelmaker, Wetzel's Pretzels, Philly Pretzel Factory

Pretzel Getty Images
Pretzels. Getty Images

The pretzel, a crisp biscuit baked in the form of a knot or stick and flavored with salt, is honored today on National Pretzel Day (April 26). But where did this treat originally come from?

Where did the pretzel come from?

There are many rumors regarding the origins of this baked good, including appearing in a fifth-century manuscript in the Vatican. But according to a 1988 article in the New York Times, it was invented in 610 A.D. by a monk in southern France. He apparently twisted leftover bread dough into crossed praying arms with three holes representing the Trinity. He gave this to children who learned their prayers as a reward.

However, there is disagreement as to where the word came from. Pretiola is in Latin but some think that it's from the Old German word brezitella.

Then, 900 years later, Turks tunneled under the city walls of Vienna and were caught by pretzel bakers. These bakers were awarded a coat of arms of a pretzel and a rampant lion on a shield, which is still in use today.

Where can I get a free pretzel?

Pretzelmaker: You can enjoy a free pretzel on National Pretzel Day courtesy of Pretzelmaker. Reward members can get a free salted or unsalted pretzel. If you're not already a member, you can enrol on the company's Rewards App.

Wetzel's Pretzels: What's better than a free pretzel? Not having to buy anything for a free pretzel. Wetzel's Pretzel is giving away free pretzels on April 26, without the need to buy anything. It's only happening at participating stores so check your local store.

Ben's Soft Pretzels: People can get a free jumbo soft pretzel if they donate a minimum $1 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. All the donations will go toward building new Intrepid Spirit centers for military personnel who suffer from traumatic brain injuries or psychological health conditions. Not all stores are participating so check your local store.

Philly Pretzel Factory: Get your free pretzel on April 26, at your local store.

Aunt Annies: If you're working on Pretzel Day then try to persuade your boss to get some pretzels. Aunt Annies is offering $25 off $100 online catering orders with promo code NPD25

Bierhaus NYC: Pretzels and beer, anyone? Bierhaus is giving away a free pretzel with every liter bought of its Hofbrau bier.

Who’s ready for #NationalPretzelDay on Thursday? pic.twitter.com/DsUmtTezKU

— Bierhaus NYC (@BierhausNYC) April 24, 2018

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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Sophia Waterfield is a reporter for Newsweek based at its London bureau. She has written for publications such as Metro UK, ... Read more

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