Every year in early January, a beautifully printed booklet falls through my letterbox. This tradition of Kopper Monday has almost been lost. Only some small printing companies still send their relations a Kopper edition. What is it anyway, and why is it so special?
Copper Monday is the first Monday after Epiphany (6 January). Traditionally a holiday for the guilds. The guild letters with privileges were read out and then the guild members went into town to roast. The shortest day had been. A great opportunity to end the dark period.
In the 18e century, the guilds were abolished and the tradition remained only among printers. The companions (apprentices) of the printers showed their craftsmanship. They made a beautiful print with a salvation wish on it and gave it to the master printers and the owner of their printing house.
Pure old-fashioned craftsmanship
Later, these Copper Monday prints were mainly sent as promotional gifts. With the advent of Christmas and New Year cards, this largely came to an end. Printers affiliated to the Printing in the Margin Foundation, in particular, still keep the tradition alive. These printers often still print by hand.
Pure old-fashioned craftsmanship, in other words. Made with love. And that is evident from the little gems that fall through my letterbox every year. Yes, as far as I am concerned, the tradition of the Copper Monday print is restored.
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