Bronze Pretzel Charms - Symbol of Prosperity, Undying Love, and Spiritual Fulfillment 22mm long - 3pcs
SKU: BC38AQuantity: Sold in increments of 3
Size: about 22mm long, 13mm wide, 2.5mm thick, the hole is: 2mm
(7/8" long x 1/2" wide)
Material: Zinc alloy with antiqued bronze finish
Symbolism: good luck, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment, pretzels were also commonly distributed to the poor, as a way of providing them with both spiritual and literal sustenance. By the 17th century, the interlocking loops of the pretzel had come to symbolize undying love as well.
History: The origins of the pretzel go back to a monastery in the mountains between Southern France and Northern Italy. In 610 AD the monks created the first soft pretzels. They didn't want to waste the dough leftover from making unleavened communion bread. Christians in those days prayed with their arms crossed over their chest, with each hand on the opposite shoulder. The monks realized that the dough could be twisted into a similar shape. The treats were given to children as a reward for memorizing their verses and prayers. They were also used to help children understand the Christian Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The three empty holes in the pretzel represented the Christian Trinity. The monks called their treats Pretiols, a Latin word that means "Little reward".
The success of the Pretiols spread to monasteries throughout the French and Italian wine regions and crossed over the Alps to Austria and Germany, where they became known as the bretzel, or pretzel. The pretzel became an important symbol in church life. A page from a prayer book of Catherine of Cleves depicts St. Bartholomew surrounded by pretzels, which were thought to bring good fortune, prosperity, and spiritual wholeness to those who ate them. Pretzels were a convenient way to give food to the poor and became typical alms for the hungry. Those who gave pretzels away were considered particularly blessed. They became such a sacred symbol that they were often packed into coffins.
Legend has it that in 1614 in Switzerland, royal couples used a pretzel in their wedding ceremonies (similar to how a wishbone might be used today) to seal the bond of matrimony and that this custom may have been the origin of the phrase “tying the knot.”
Order Processing:
Orders received before 2:00pm EST will almost always ship the same day. However, order processing time will depend on daily order volume. If we can't get it out the same day, it will definitely ship the next day! Orders ship from Willoughby, Ohio 44094.
Please note: If we cannot get in touch with you or if we have a question about your order it will delay your shipment, so please provide valid email information with your order.
Domestic Shipping:
You have a choice to ship via USPS (United States Postal Service) or UPS (United Parcel Service). Tracking is included in the cost of shipping (your tracking number will be emailed to you as soon as your package ships).
For USPS shipping we offer three flat rate options. You can choose which works best for you during the checkout process.
USPS first-class flat rate shipping (2-4 Day) - $5.00
USPS Priority Mail flat rate shipping (2-3 Day) - $10.00
USPS Express Mail flat rate shipping (1-2 Day) - $30.00
Orders over $50 ship free in the USA if you choose USPS!
If you choose UPS as your shipping option the price will be calculated based on your address.
International Shipping Information:
All packages are shipped via USPS (United States Postal Service). Tracking and delivery confirmation are included in the cost of shipping (your tracking number will be emailed to you as soon as your package ships).
Canada: We offer two flat rate options for shipping. You can choose which works best for you during the checkout process. Your package will ship via USPS (United States Postal Service) until it arrives in Canada. It will then be delivered by Canada Post.
USPS first-class flat rate shipping (8-31 Day) - $11.50
USPS Priority Mail flat rate shipping (6-15 Day) - $38.95
Everywhere Else:
We are currently shipping to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. We offer two shipping options, USPS and UPS, both include tracking.
For USPS shipping we offer one flat rate option:
USPS first-class international flat rate shipping (12-45 Days) - $14.95
If you choose UPS Worldwide® as your shipping option the price will be calculated at checkout based on the weight and your address.
PLEASE NOTE: We are not a VAT registered seller therefore, VAT fees are NOT included in the cost of your item or shipping. At the time the package is delivered, international customers may also incur a customs clearance charge as well as local and country-wide taxes (which vary). ANY custom fees, duties (tariffs), or taxes are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Because every country has different fees, these charges are NOT included in the shipping charges in our listings. Please contact your local customs office to determine what these fees will be before making your purchase. You may also check http://www.dutycalculator.com/ to determine any additional fees.
We cannot control shipments once they leave the shop, typically domestic packages are delivered within 2-5 business days, depending on your location. International packages are typically delivered within 6-45 days (sometimes longer, depending on your location). Please be advised that international orders do not have a guaranteed delivery date as they can be delayed in customs.