How did these classic treats become a quintessential part of Purim? The fact that their sides are folded may hold the secret clue. The Yiddish word for āweakenā is ātashā, with ātaschenā meaning āpouchā in German. Similarly, āhamanā sounds close to āmohnā, the German word for poppies, as well as the name of the main Persian villain in the Book of Esther, Haman. Thus a verbal association may have long ago occurred that allowed a pastry that was literally called a āpoppy pouchā to be associated with the phrase āHaman weakensā.
This, of course, is only one theory as to how Hamantaschen became an iconic Purim treat. Legend also says that eating this three sided pastry was meant as a way to symbolically destroy the memory of Haman, as Haman wore a three-cornered hat.
To get in the spirit of Purim, Charles E. Smith Life Communities would like to share this Hamantaschen cookie recipeĀ for you to try!