July 19 is Flitch Day, a holiday that took place in the 12th century English village of Dunmore Piory. According to history, a flitch of bacon (half a pig) was given to any married couple who could prove to a jury that they had lived together in harmony and fidelity the entire previous year.
By the middle of the 14th century, the poem of Piers Ploughman mentioned the custom in a manner that implies a general knowledge of it among his readers. Chaucer also refers to it.
Victorian novelist Harrison Ainsworth revived the Fitch Trials as an entirely civic event. In 1855, he published the popular novel The Custom of Dunmow, which recounts the attempts of Jonas Jones to win the Flitch by marrying a succession of wives hoping to find the perfect one. The Trials were once again staged in Great Dunmow.
Since then, the trials have been held regularly and since the end of WWII, every 4 years in a leap year. The next Flitch Trials were to be held July 19, 2020, however they have been postponed till 2021 due to covid-19.
In researching this post, I read that the custom of awarding a Flitch to those who can prove marital harmony is not unique to Dunmow, but I could find no other references.
It is not a competition between the couples. All the couples could be successful in their claim. To see the 2016 winners, visit the Official Website.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. I make no guarantee as to its accuracy. Its purpose is to inform, educate, amuse, and raise awareness about causes and opportunities around the globe. I also encourage civil debate in the comments.
365 Holidays a Year 