Pretzels were popular during Lent

Lent is a special time to get ready for Easter. We do this by praying, helping others, and giving up something we really like for 40 days - this is called fasting.

We fast during Lent to show God that we LOVE Him and want to follow his ways. It helps us remember how much Jesus sacrificed for us when he died on the cross, and how he rose again on Easter Sunday. Fasting makes us more aware of the needs of others, especially to care for the poor and hungry!

A long time ago, some areas of the Church fasted from all forms of meat and animal products, like milk, eggs, and cheese. Food like pretzels were popular during Lent because they were made without meat or dairy, and their shape represented arms folded in prayer.

Let’s make some pretzels with our family, as we learn more about Lent, and think about how we can do better throughout and beyond these 40 days!