During Lent early Christians could not eat meat. They were also not allowed to eat eggs, fat, milk for ALL of Lent because these foods came from warm blooded flesh animals.

 

In the 600’s, an Italian monk baked a bread of flour, salt, & water. Early Christians didn't fold their hands to pray; they crossed their arms & touched the opposite shoulders with their hands.​

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He formed the dough in the shape of arms folded in prayer. He gave the baked dough to his fellow monks as a reminder to pray & fast during Lent. He also gave them to children as a reward for learning their prayers & lessons. We now know this bread as the pretzel.​