Soft Bavarian Pretzels Baked at Saint John's for the First Time

An illustration from the 12th century Hortus deliciarum from Alsace may be the earliest depiction of a pretzel, shown at a banquet with Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus.

   There are numerous accounts on the origin of the looped pretzels, as well as the origin of the name; most agree that they have Christian backgrounds and were invented by monks. According to The History of Science and Technology, by Bryan Bunch and Alexander Hellemans, in 610 AD "...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. Another source locates the invention in a monastery in southern France.

Emblem of the Baker's Guild in Germany

   Within the Catholic church, pretzels were 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 Christians were forbidden to eat eggs, lard, or dairy products such as milk and butter. As time passed, pretzels became associated with both Lent and Easter. Pretzels were hidden on Easter morning just as eggs are hidden today, and are particularly associated with Lent, fasting, and prayers before Easter. The classic pretzel's three-hole shape begins to take form.

                                                                source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretzel  

Plans are underway to have a pretzel making evening with members of the CSB/SJU German Club.

Apply for a Five Month Stay in Germany (March 1 -- July 31, 2012) to Study Politics

Dear Friends of the German Embassy,

   We would be very grateful if you could support us in promoting this excellent scholarship opportunity by forwarding the message below to any students and/or recent graduates who might be interested or to any networks available to you that might help spread the word.

   Your help is greatly appreciated! For more information please refer to the information below.

   Thank you and best regards,

Gunnar Christiansen
Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany

676 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 3200

Chicago, IL 60611
_______________________________


Dear Student or Recent Graduate,

Are you interested in politics? Would you like to gain first-hand experience of parliamentary work in Germany? In that case, the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) invites you to take part in an exciting opportunity.

Every year, IPS enables 120 recent graduates from 28 countries to get to know the German parliamentary system through a five month stay in Germany (March 1 -- July 31, 2012). The Program includes an internship in the office of a Member of the German Bundestag, the German parliament. Combined with a supplementary academic program organized by Berlin's three major universities and the fun of being together with people from other nations, a unique experience awaits you in the exciting German capital.

What the Bundestag expects of you:

* Interest in politics
* Excellent knowledge of German
*University degree (B.A., B.S.)
* U.S. Citizenship
* Born after March 1, 1982

What you can expect:
* Monthly grant of € 450.00
* Free accommodation
* Health, accident, and liability insurance
* Reimbursement of your travel expenses to and from Berlin
  
   For more information about the admission requirements, the scholarship details, and the application procedure, please visit the following websites:


Bundestag homepage: http://www.bundestag.de/ips
The homepage of the German missions in the United States:
http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/__pr/K__Wash/2011/02/17__IPS__Program__PR.html?archive=1978778
Application details may be found online at:
http://www.bundestag.de/bundestag/europa_internationales/internat_austausch/ips/index.html

*The application deadline is June 30, 2011*


We look forward to receiving your application!
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Cultural Affairs Department IPS Committee 2300 M Street NW Washington, DC 20037