Mutschel

The Mutschel is a traditional star-shaped bread from Reutlingen, Germany. The pastry, and the corresponding Mutscheltag , have probably existed since the 13th century. Mutscheln are roughly star-shaped and come in various sizes: usually approximately six inches in diameter, but bakeries often offer breads three or more feet in diameter. The most common Mutschel is made of wheat, yeast, a small amount of fat like lard or butter and eggs. They are sometimes made in sweet varieties. There are several theories about the origin of the bread form. One is that the high central part of the bread represents the castle atop the Achalm, a hill next to Reutlingen, and the eight points of the star represent medieval guilds. The star could also have Christian allegorical meaning as the Star of Bethlehem. A third possibility is that Reutlingen baker Albrecht Mutschler invented the shape in the 14th century. This baker was mentioned first in the 1435 Reutlinger Heimatbuch. On Mutscheltag (the first Thursday after Epiphany), townspeople gather in halls and homes to play dice games, the winner of which earns parts or whole Mutschel breads. You can participate when you are invited into the circle. The Mutschelspiele (Mutschel games) consists of small games scored by tally marks. The games are won both independently and by grand total at the end of the hour or night. Before the game starts it is announced what the winner gets and some details of the rules. The rules can be changed between the rounds. The first rounds are played about the points, then about the center. If it is a very big one, the center is also cut into pieces. At later rounds, the winner might get a whole Mutschel. It is acceptable to eat it at the event, with some butter that is served, it is also ok to take it home and eat it the following days. It is also acceptable for someone who has been lucky to give a part of it to somebody who has been out of luck most of the evening. Mutscheltag is about community, about sharing and making everybody happy and a winner at the end of the day. Usually, there is an abundance of Mutschels so nobody goes home hungry or without some bread for the next day. If a loved one can´t participate, a friend pays a visit to bring over a Mutschel.

Source: Wikipedia