National Flitch Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Flitch Day is an unofficial holiday observed on July 19 each year. It dates back to an ancient tradition in which married couples earned a flitch of bacon after a year by demonstrating the strength of their union. After one year and one day of marriage, the couple would be put on trial to prove their love and fidelity to one another; if successful, they would receive a flitch of bacon as a reward. Despite the fact that this custom is no longer practised, it is still commemorated every three to four years at the Dunmow Flitch Trials.

The background of National Flitch Day

Although the precise origins of National Flitch Day are unknown, we do know that the original tradition began in 1104, when Reginald Fitzwalter and his wife, a lord and lady of a manor, disguised themselves as commoners and sought the blessing of the local prior for their marriage. The prior, impressed by their devotion to one another, gave them a flitch of bacon.

This led to the tradition of rewarding married couples with a flitch of bacon if they did not lament their union after one year and one day. The couple would go through a mock trial to establish their love, and if they prevailed, they would receive a flitch of bacon, or roughly half a pig. This custom was observed in the English towns of Wychnor, Staffordshire, and Little Dunmow.

In Little Dunmow, married couples were required to demonstrate that neither of them regretted their marriage in the previous year and a day, and then prostrate on two hard and pointed stones in the churchyard. They would then take an oath in the presence of priests and town residents. After achieving success, they were given a flitch of bacon and paraded throughout the town. This practise lasted until the mid-18th century. The Dunmow Flitch Trials Committee continues to hold the flitch trials in Great Dunmow, England, but only in leap years. Supposedly, Little Dunmow is the only location to have maintained this tradition to date. Although colonists brought the tradition to the United States, it did not endure for long.

National Flitch Day celebrations do not include a trial; they are merely a reminder and acknowledgement of the tradition.

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NATIONAL FLITCH DAY ACTIVITIES

“The Flitch of Bacon” should be read.

On National Flitch Day, read William Harrison Ainsworth’s “The Flitch of Bacon.” It will assist you in immersing yourself in the tradition’s history and learning more about it. You can then share this information with your family and colleagues to raise awareness about this day.

Donate a slice of bacon

Since the holiday honours the tradition of presenting a married couple with a slab of bacon, you could do the same. If you have married acquaintances who have reached one year and one day of marriage, give them a slab of bacon as a gift. You can even make it entertaining by holding a contest in which they can win bacon.

Participate in the Dunmow Flitch Trials.

This event typically occurs during odd years, so you can schedule accordingly. On leap years, you can attend the Dunmow Flitch Trials to watch married couples compete for a slab of bacon.

5 fascinating bacon facts that will blow your mind

The Chinese were the first to prepare salted pork belly, and the salt helped preserve the flesh so it could be consumed throughout the year.

Bacon contains a compound that induces a pleasurable neurochemical response when consumed, making it highly addictive.

70% of all bacon consumed in the United States is served for breakfast.

Bacon is commonly regarded as the cuisine that converts vegetarians.

Matt Stonie, an American, claims the record for eating the most bacon at an event in Daytona, Florida: 182 slices in five minutes.

NATIONAL FLITCH DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	July 19	Wednesday
2024	July 19	Friday
2025	July 19	Saturday
2026	July 19	Sunday
2027	July 19	Monday