For Easter, a brief history of pretzels :-)

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From Wikipedia: "...Sources give different information for the time and place of the pretzel's origin. The History of Science and Technology, by Bryan Bunch and Alexander Hellemans, claims that in 610 A.D. '...an Italian monk invents 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')'. However, no source is cited to back up these details. Documentation shows that pretzel shaped pastries were used in the bakery emblems of bakers guilds in Southern Germany since 1111.[5] In the 12th century, Hortus deliciarum from the southwest German Alsace (today France) may contain the earliest depiction of a pretzel.

In the 16th century, the German tradition of eating pretzels during Good Friday dinner is introduced. It is said that the shape of the pretzel is like that of praying hands.[6] Within the Catholic church, pretzels are regarded as having religious significance for both ingredients and shape. Pretzels made with a simple recipe using only flour and water could be eaten during Lent, when European Christians were forbidden to eat eggs, lard, or dairy products like milk and butter. As time passed, pretzels became associated with both Lent and Easter. Pretzels were hidden on Easter morning just like eggs are hidden today and are particularly associated with Lent, fasting, and prayers before Easter.[7] The classic pretzel's three-hole shape begins to take form. The three holes represent the Christian trinity of 'Father, Son and Holy Spirit,' and pretzels are thought to bring luck, prosperity, and spiritual wholeness. The wedding phrase 'tying the knot' got its start when a pretzel was used to tie the knot between two prominent families. The pretzel's loops stood for everlasting love..."

And how and where they're made today: