Yesterday I discovered a term for a potluck meal (one at which each guest contributes some food or drink) which I hadn’t heard before – Jacob’s join. My mum used it, and told me that it’s commonly used in Lancashire, where she lives. I don’t remember hearing this when I was growing up there, but then we didn’t go to many such meals.
According to World Wide Words, this term is used in and around Lancashire (in the north west of England), however nobody knows where it comes from. It might have some connection to Jacob in the bible.
Other ways to refer to a Jacob’s join apparently include potluck dinner, spread, Jacob’s supper, faith supper, covered dish supper, dish party, bring and share, dutch, pitch-in, bring-a-plate, dish-to-pass, fuddle [source]. I haven’t heard of many of these before. Have you?
Does this tradition exist in your country/area?
If so, what do you call it?
In Finnish it’s called nyyttikestit, or “bundle feast”.
Is this the same as a “potlatch”?
Yes, I like how “potlach” merged with “pot-luck”.
As for “dutch”, I thought it was a practice of splitting the bill in a restaurant equally among everyone.
Is if Jacob’s join or joint?
Joe – it’s a Jacob’s join.
MadFall – it is the same as potlatch, I think.