Why do we traditionally clink our glasses together when making a toast
From warding off evil spirits to surviving a poisoned chalice, the reason we clink glasses is far more high-stakes than you ever imagined. Discover the dark and fascinating history behind the world’s most common celebratory ritual.
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Clinking glasses likely originated to involve the sense of hearing in the drinking ritual, completing the sensory experience alongside taste, touch, sight, and smell. Popular legends also suggest the practice was used to ward off evil spirits with noise or to prevent poisoning by sloshing liquid between cups to demonstrate mutual trust.
Cheers to History: Why do we traditionally clink our glasses together when making a toast?
Have you ever paused mid-celebration, crystal goblet in hand, and wondered why we feel compelled to strike our drinks together before taking a sip? Whether it is a wedding gala, a casual happy hour, or a New Year’s Eve countdown, the rhythmic "clink" of glassware is a universal language of celebration. But this gesture is more than just a prelude to a drink; it is a ritual steeped in centuries of folklore, survival tactics, and sensory science. Understanding why do we traditionally clink our glasses together when making a toast reveals a fascinating intersection of human history and social psychology. This post will explore the most prominent theories behind this tradition, from ancient superstitions to the pursuit of the perfect sensory experience.
A Shield Against Poisoning
One of the most popular historical theories suggests that clinking glasses was originally a matter of life and death. In the ancient world, particularly in Greece and Rome, using poison to eliminate political rivals or unwanted dinner guests was a common, albeit grisly, practice.
According to historical lore, hosts would clink their vessels heavily against those of their guests. The goal was to cause the liquid to slosh from one cup into the other. If a host was attempting to poison a guest, they would risk poisoning themselves in the process. While modern historians often debate the practical frequency of this "spill-over" method, the theory remains a staple in the narrative of why we clink. It transformed the act of drinking into a gesture of mutual trust and transparency.
Warding Off Evil Spirits
In medieval Europe, the world was perceived as a place filled with invisible dangers, including demons and malevolent spirits. Many traditions from this era were designed to frighten away these entities, and the "clink" was no exception.
- The Sound of Bells: It was widely believed that the sound of ringing bells could drive away the devil. Because the sound of clinking glasses—especially high-quality glassware—mimics the chime of a bell, people began clinking to "sanctify" their beverage and protect the group from evil.
- Spilling for Luck: Some variations of this theory suggest that people would shout or clink violently to spill a few drops on the floor, offering a small sacrifice to the spirits to keep them at bay.
Completing the Five Senses
Beyond superstition and survival, there is a more poetic and scientific explanation for the clink: the engagement of the senses. When we consume fine wine or a crafted cocktail, we utilize four of our five senses:
- Sight: We admire the color and clarity of the liquid.
- Smell: We breathe in the bouquet and aromatics.
- Touch: We feel the weight of the glass and the temperature of the drink.
- Taste: We enjoy the flavors on our palate.
Before the tradition of clinking became standard, the sense of hearing was left out of the experience. By striking glasses together, participants add an auditory component to the ritual. This creates a "total sensory experience," making the act of drinking a more holistic and satisfying endeavor.
The Evolution of the "Toast"
While clinking provides the sound, the "toast" provides the words. The term itself originated in 17th-century England. At the time, it was common practice to place a piece of literal charred or spiced toast at the bottom of a communal jug of wine. The bread would help soak up excess acidity and improve the flavor of low-quality spirits. Over time, the person being honored became the "toast" of the party, and the physical act of clinking became the punctuation mark at the end of the tribute.
Conclusion
The next time you raise a glass, you are participating in a multi-layered tradition that spans millennia. Whether you believe you are scaring away ancient spirits, verifying that your drink is poison-free, or simply rounding out your sensory experience, the act of clinking remains a powerful symbol of connection. It bridges the gap between individuals, turning a solitary act of drinking into a shared moment of community and goodwill. Why do we traditionally clink our glasses together when making a toast? Because it transforms a simple beverage into a celebration of trust, history, and human connection. So, the next time the glasses chime, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history echoing in that sound.
