Jesus In Food

A common instance of pareidolia (the perception that an obscure image is significant) are visual appearances of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary in food and other items.

The discoveries of religious pareidolia can sometimes prove lucrative. Some people often put such items up for bid on the auction website eBay.¹

Fast Facts

1. Pareidolia = phenomenon when a random stimulus is perceived as significant
2. Religious pareidolia usually involves images of Jesus Christ or Virgin Mary
3. A pierogi supposedly depicting Jesus sold for $1,775 on eBay¹
4. A pretzel presumably resembling the Virgin Mary sold for $10,600 on eBay²

Instances of Religious Pareidolia in Food

• 1977: Jesus image in a tortilla³
• 1996: Mother Teresa image in a cinnamon pastry⁴
• 2004: Virgin Mary image in an eaten grilled cheese sandwich⁴
• 2005: Jesus image in a pierogi¹
• 2005: Virgin Mary image in a pretzel²
• 2007: Virgin Mary image in a pizza pan⁵

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