when were pretzels invented

Pretzels were invented around 610 AD, most likely by an Italian monk. The monk created pretzels as a special treat to reward children for learning their prayers. He shaped strips of dough to resemble crossed arms in prayer, which is why the pretzel has its distinctive shape. The original name given to these treats was "pretiola," meaning "little rewards" in Latin. Pretzels initially were soft and symbolized religious elements, often used during Lent when certain foods were forbidden. The invention and symbolism of pretzels spread throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, and later came to America with German immigrants in the 1700s.