How did the custom of clinking glasses appear
There are many interesting traditions associated with the intake of alcohol in Russia. What are only the famous 10 stacks "on the pososhok" worth. One of the most interesting customs is to clink glasses. Yes, not just like that, but observing different rules. It is well known that a woman or a girl should clink glasses with the last man. So how did the tradition of touching glasses during a feast come about?
In fairness, it should be noted that the tradition of clinking glasses is spread all over the world. But we attach great importance to it. During feasts, we clink glasses after each toast, trying not to miss anyone. At the same time, it does not matter whether a glass is in your hands, a shot glass or a plastic cup — the drinking rite must be observed!
There are several hypotheses of the appearance of this tradition. One of them says that in the pagan era, people were afraid that an evil spirit would fly into their mouths with a drink. The sound of colliding containers was supposed to scare away evil spirits. Another story says that the knights of the Frankish King Charlemagne were the first to clink glasses in the 7-8 centuries. During the feasts, they tried to move their bowls as loudly as possible and the roar symbolized friendship, unity and strength of spirit.
But most historians tend to believe that this ritual has quite a practical significance. It could have appeared in the ancient period. It was then that it became fashionable to get rid of enemies with the help of poisons. This method of eliminating opponents has been practiced for a very long time and especially flourished in the Middle Ages.
Most often, the poison was added to the wine, which was poured to everyone from one jug or wineskin. Therefore, it was not easy to poison a particular guest. The poison had to be placed in advance in the victim's cup or discreetly added to the already spilled wine. To avoid distrust, it was customary for the feasters to hit the bowls with force so that their contents would splash out into others. Thus, the poisoner, who was at the table, had to think carefully about whether he was ready to risk his life.
At first, only aristocrats clinked glasses. But then the tradition came to the taste of ordinary people. Few people thought about her origin — just everyone liked to feel like noble gentlemen. So the custom of clinking glasses has firmly entered the table culture.
For many centuries, the custom of clinking glasses has become overgrown with signs and superstitions. It is strictly forbidden to clink glasses at the wake, as in the case when they drink for the repose or as a sign of memory of the deceased. They clink glasses exclusively with alcoholic beverages — this rite is not used with water and juices.
A man, clinking glasses with a lady, boss or senior, should keep his glass a little lower. This is done as a sign of respect. Women should not be the first to hold out glasses — the initiative always comes from the stronger sex. And as we have already said, with the latter, a woman certainly clinks glasses with a man.
The latter custom has different explanations. Some argue that this is for money. Others believe that an unmarried girl clinking glasses with a man promises an early happy marriage. At the same time, it is best if the man is unmarried. There is also an opposite opinion that he should be married. There is also an opinion that everything will work only if the clinkers were not familiar before.
The origins of this superstition should be sought in the distant past. It is well known that a woman used to be considered a "vessel of sin", and many were also attributed to practicing magic. Therefore, it was dangerous for a young unmarried person to clink glasses with other women who could cause damage through a glass. Touching the cups with a man, the girl destroyed the negative energy.
And there is also a very simple explanation. In this way, it was possible to attract the attention of a single man during a big feast. Who knows, maybe this fleeting contact of glasses will mark the beginning of mutual sympathy? At the same time, they say that women do not need to clink glasses with their own spouses. This can lead to quarrels, loss of money, or even to infidelity and separation. This superstition is the most difficult to find an explanation for. Maybe you know something about its origin?