No feast today is complete without toast and clinking glasses. Nowadays, few people think about the origin of this tradition of the Russian feast. In fact, clinking glasses began in the Middle Ages, and then it was done for reasons of their own safety.
Clink glasses so as not to die
It is generally known that in the Middle Ages, poisoning was the most common way to eliminate enemies and rivals. Often, lavish feasts ended in someone's death.
In order to demonstrate their trust in the guests, the cups, filled to the brim, were brought to each other and hit hard, thereby stirring the drinks. Such a ritual became a kind of guarantee of the safety of the feast, so that a potential poisoner is not present at the holiday.
It was impossible to refuse to clink glasses. Firstly, suspicions immediately fell on this person, and secondly, it was a sign of disrespect and hostility towards everyone present at the festival.
In addition, in those days there was a tradition to exchange glasses with a drink. If someone refused to take a sip of wine from the offered cup, then this could be perceived as an insult and an admission of his own cowardice.
The clink of glasses scares away evil spirits
It is believed that the clinking of glasses scares away evil spirits and reinforces what was said in the toast. By the way, the most common toast "To health!" closely related to the pagan traditions of sacrifice to the gods.
In some African countries, before drinking a glass, bells are rung to ward off the devil and dark forces.
Do not clink glasses at the commemoration
Strictly speaking, it is generally forbidden to drink at the commemoration, but people still put alcohol on the memorial table. The custom of not clinking glasses at the commemoration is also associated with the ability of the bell ringing to drive away spirits.
On the third, ninth and fortieth day, the soul of the deceased, according to legends, is still on the ground, and the clinking of glasses can also frighten it.
Again, the clinking of glasses is popularly associated with the holiday, and the funeral was never a joyful event.
