2007-02-01 09:59:05 · 13 answers · asked by running2adream 6 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
13 answers to this question... conincidence....I think not!!!
2007-02-01 23:35:31 · update #1
Long story...
But I'll summerize it
Basically, a long time ago bakers were ordered to have a special weight for their dozen. They used an extra one to make sure it weighed enough
Edit: Michelle R, good job you know how to copy and paste wikipedia without reckognizing it. Isn't it copyrighted??
Edit: (from wikipedia)
"Specifically, the practice of baking 13 items for an intended dozen was to prevent "short measure", on the basis that one of the 13 could be lost, eaten, burnt or ruined in some way, leaving the baker with the original dozen"
2007-02-01 10:02:53 · answer #1 · answered by flylikepowell 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The oldest known source and most probable origin for the expression "baker's dozen" dates to the 13th century in one of the earliest English statutes, instituted during the reign of Henry III (r. 1216-1272), called the Assize of Bread and Ale. Bakers who were found to have shortchanged customers could be liable to severe punishment. To guard against the crude punishment of losing a hand to an axe, a baker would give 13 for the price of 12, to be certain of not being known as a cheat. Specifically, the practice of baking 13 items for an intended dozen was to prevent "short measure", on the basis that one of the 13 could be lost, eaten, burnt or ruined in some way, leaving the baker with the original dozen.
2007-02-01 10:04:33 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle R 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Way, way back in the day, if a baker shorted the King on the weight of the bread, he would be severly punnished. Each loaf of bread had to be a certain weight. The baker would add an additional loaf to each dozen ordered to make up for any weight that may be missing to avoid punnishment.
2007-02-01 10:03:44 · answer #3 · answered by ketchikan_chick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because some baker liked someone and gave them an extra whatever(like donut) and the person said that's ur dozen and told a friend who told a friend and thus the bakers dozen was born
2007-02-01 10:03:43 · answer #4 · answered by Nora G 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
just is as far as i know. or a baker decided to be different from the rest and creat competion*(please don't mind my spelling i have had a long day shopping and i don't like crowds).
2007-02-01 10:05:51 · answer #5 · answered by Leigh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because bakers are stupid, and they think a dozen is thirteen!
2007-02-01 10:06:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
well in past of time when they frist made donuts its not perfect but when you buy it you buy 13 for the price of 12 to cover the ruined one
2007-02-01 10:04:02 · answer #7 · answered by coolgirlsoccer2003 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its easier to throw in a free doughnut ..
then it is to figure out a ten percent discount !!!
2007-02-01 10:09:48 · answer #8 · answered by yahoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to thank you for buying a dozen,...they give you one.
2007-02-01 10:09:40 · answer #9 · answered by -------- 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess in case they mess up one, they have an extra.
2007-02-01 10:02:19 · answer #10 · answered by Backwoods Barbie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋