Westmalle: Lost Monday ("Verloren Maandag")

January 13 was “Lost Monday.” We ate 'pigs in a blanket' and apple dumplings that day. It's a tradition kept mainly in the province of Antwerp, where many restaurants will serve one of these delicacies to their customers. Each year “Café Trappisten” at Westmalle Abbey likes to take part in this observance too.

The origin of this tradition

The origin of this tradition is not really clear. Some say it started in the Middle Ages: on this Monday at the beginning of the new year, the new officials were sworn in, and this was celebrated with food and drink. Others say it started in the 18^th century, when the guilds were celebrating the new year. Since it was not a work day, it was called a “lost” day.

Date

“Lost Monday” doesn't fall on a specific date; it is the first Monday after January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, as long as a Sunday has intervened.

Mark January 11, 2021 on your calendar now. That's when it will be “Lost Monday” again!

Welkom

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Welcome

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Bienvenue

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willkommen

willkommen IT

benvenuto

benvenuto ES

Bienvenido

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