End of Summer Party at RATTPACK®.

Couching á la RATTPACK®

Here at Rattpack®, we take printing seriously. So seriously, in fact, that we have our own time-honored tradition that we we call couching. What is couching, you ask? Read on to find out!

The Gautschen is a craft custom in which apprentice letterpress printers are elevated to the rank of journeymen. Since the 19th century, it has been performed by printers in a ceremony similar to baptism. ceremony similar to a baptism: The "cornutes," as the prospective journeymen are called because of the typical historical headgear, are wetted with water under the guidance of the couch master. wetted. Only when they receive a certificate do they become full members of the (book) printing community.

While the origins of couching are somewhat obscure, it is clear that it is a highly respected tradition here at Rattpack®. We are very proud of our printing tradition, and couching is just one way we honor that history. 

While this tradition may seem serious, it also has some fun aspects. 

The couching process is determined by the couching master. He is usually also responsible for the apprentices in the print shop. He has first and second packers who help the journeymen and do the "rough work" for him. What was traditionally two people needed for this work has now become a team of several helpers. The sponge keeper's job is to, to keep the sponge moist, also there are efficient water troughs or buckets.

Not only the baptized have a task, but also those who participate in the ceremony - they are the witnesses of baptism. At the command "Grab on!", the helpers throw the baptized into a container of water - which they should actually resist with all their might. During this ceremony, the couch master makes an amusing, funny speech. With this, the new journeymen have officially earned their right to be part of the community of printers.