Bagels have been a staple of Jewish cuisine for centuries, and while their exact origin is uncertain, most evidence points to Eastern Europe, particularly Poland. In the early 17th century, Jewish communities in Poland began to celebrate their Saturday Sabbath with the bagel, which they called beygal or beigel. The circular shape of the bagel has traditionally been viewed as symbolic of the endless cycle of life and the circular shape of the world. Today, bagels are a popular food worldwide, enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and cultures.