Bring Home the BaconThe medieval prize for a happy marriage
From the show
History of PhrasesDiscover the medieval origins of a common idiom that initially rewarded marital harmony rather than financial success. In 12th-century Essex, couples could win a side of meat if they swore they had not argued or regretted their union for a year and a day. This tradition highlights how the meaning of earning a living has shifted from domestic peace to a paycheck.
0:00
2:49