CHEERS?!

V-ati intrebat vreodata care este originea obiceiului de a ciocni paharele inainte de a bea? Am gasit niste "legende" legate de acest lucru . . . relatarea lor inainte de ciocnirea fiecarui pahar in noaptea dintre ani va intarzia probabil starea de intoxicare *giggles*.

Here you go:

No.1 - The cups were clinked as if to slosh poison from one vessel to another. The “clinking” ritual, according to this theory, was a gesture to prove the safety of the drink. In time, the actual mixing of the two drinks was altered to become a gesture performed especially amongst trusted companions. However, this origin was quickly debunked, as tradition holds that the host always drinks first to test the nature of the drink. The practice continues today especially in regards to wine. This supposed origin, however, actually dates back only to a fictional plot twist penned by Alexandre Dumas in the late 1800’s.

No.2 - Mediaeval custom of clinking goblets together in order to frighten the demons out of the spirits. The problem with this theory is that the sound of the clinking cups is likened to church bells, which were believed to frighten the devil (the devil I should add , was said to often frequent festive activities). Although it is doubtful that the clanking of the wooden tankards and clay cups of the period could make such a sound.

No.3- The Germanic tribes would bang their cups on the table before drinking in order to knock out the ghosts, and the Congolese natives would ring bells before emptying their cups for the same reason. Nomadic horsemen, like Atilia, decorated their cups and wine sacs with bells and other “clinking clutter” for the purpose of keeping out the evil. The Tibetans tapped their cups of Kumiss before drinking. From the citizens of the Shang Dynasty crying “Kaan” to Nordic tribes in the caves of Odin cracking skulls and shaking leather wine sacs, all peoples seemed to make noise before drinking. However, it seems that not all cultures necessarily took part in the ritual of clinking glasses.

No.4 - In Ancient Greece, before the “Yimas” (to your health, or cheers), noise played a part in drinking as well. A myth says that wine, as well as all other things spiritual and beautiful, must appease and tempt each sense. The bouquet of the wine is for the nose, the colour for the eye, the body for taste and touch, and, of course, the clinking of the goblet for the ear. Ancient Greeks had other reasons for clinking cups: the first drink (the Proposis, or “the drink before”) was taken by the gods and not the mortals whom imbibed the rest of the drink. The Homeric ritual for this act involved rising to one’s feet and holding a drink in the right hand aloft, and then with both hands in air, praying “to the gods!” and then deliberately spilling some of the drink. In 4th century b.c., Herodotus spoke of much toasting and “cheersing” even to the extent as to mention that even the Germanic savages were familiar with the custom of clinking cups.

Oricare ar fi adevarul, ani intregi de istorie imi vor trece prin fata ochilor inainte de a bea urmatorul pahar si va fi placut sa simt o conexiune in acest fel cu civilizatiile trecute. Adevarul este ca, indiferent de momentul in istorie...este placut sa stii ca s-au mai facut si altii pulbere inaintea ta sau odata cu tine heh.