Alcohol has been around for many centuries and so has raising a glass and toasting to good health. It is not exactly clear when and where this tradition originated from, however there is a theory that the practice of raising a toast may have derived from the Romans, who would raise a glass during ceremonies or rituals to honor the gods. A sacred liquid such as blood or wine would be used as an offering or even as a prayer for good health.
When drinking with friends, many senses are involved: You can see it, feel it, taste it, and smell it. It is believed that clinking glasses was done during toasts because sound helped to please all five senses, completing the drinking experience. Drinking is a coming together of friends, so by physically touching glasses, drinkers become part of a communal celebration.
In Medieval times, glasses were clinked and people cheered loudly to ward off any demons or evil spirits. It was also thought that you would clink glasses to spill some on the floor, leaving some for the bad spirits in hopes that they would leave you alone. A german tradition is to bang mugs of alcohol on the table and yell loudly to scare away ghosts or evil spirits.
Cheers to you...clink away!
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