DUNMOW FLITCH Meaning and
Definition
-
The Dunmow flitch refers to a unique tradition that has its origins in the town of Great Dunmow in Essex, England. It is an ancient custom that involves awarding a flitch, or side, of bacon to a married couple who can prove that they have had a harmonious and blissful marriage, free of any regrets or strife, since the time of their wedding. The Dunmow flitch ceremony takes place every four years and is conducted in a humorous and light-hearted manner.
To qualify for the coveted Dunmow flitch, the couple must appear before a panel of judges and publicly declare their love and commitment to each other. They are then interrogated by the judges who attempt to find any flaws or shortcomings in the relationship. If the couple successfully convinces the judges of their unwavering love and devotion, they are awarded the flitch of bacon, symbolizing a successful and happy marriage.
This tradition dates back to the 13th century and was originally established by the Dunmow Priory. It was believed to have been inspired by the infamous story of a couple who, upon proving their marital bliss, asked for a flitch of bacon as their reward.
Today, the Dunmow flitch ceremony is a highly regarded event that attracts participants from all over the country. It continues to celebrate the institution of marriage and reminds society of the importance of love, commitment, and harmony in a successful union.
Common Misspellings for DUNMOW FLITCH
- sunmow flitch
- xunmow flitch
- cunmow flitch
- funmow flitch
- runmow flitch
- eunmow flitch
- dynmow flitch
- dhnmow flitch
- djnmow flitch
- dinmow flitch
- d8nmow flitch
- d7nmow flitch
- dubmow flitch
- dummow flitch
- dujmow flitch
- duhmow flitch
- dunnow flitch
- dunkow flitch
- dunjow flitch
- dunmiw flitch
Etymology of DUNMOW FLITCH
The etymology of the term "Dunmow flitch" is derived from two main components: "Dunmow" and "flitch".
1. Dunmow: Dunmow refers to a town called Great Dunmow in Essex, England. The town gained historical significance due to its tradition of awarding a flitch of bacon to married couples who could prove they had experienced a year and a day of harmonious marriage.
2. Flitch: In this context, a flitch refers to a side of bacon, usually cut from a pig or boar. The term "flitch" has Germanic origins and is related to words like "flesh" and "fleisch" (German for "meat").
The combination of the town's name and the specific prize of bacon for married couples led to the term "Dunmow flitch" being used to refer to the tradition itself.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
