The sensory science of the clink
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Myths of poison and spirits
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Global rituals of raising a glass
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The evolution of the toast
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YOUR GOAL
Master of Why we clink glasses
misslily Why We Clink Glasses
Forget the ghosts, forget the poison, just hear the glass ring!
misslily Medieval Europeans used loud glass clinks to scare away lurking evil spirits.
misslily Historical evidence debunked the poison myth, as spilling drinks was considered rude.
Scaring evil spirits: Medieval Europeans clinked metal tankards loudly to banish demons that might enter their open mouths while drinking.
A sharp, ringing sound produced by glass or metal objects striking together. Medieval drinkers allegedly clashed cups to splash potential toxins or scare away malicious demons.
In old Germanic folklore, what was believed to happen if you drank without clinking first?
Which ancient civilization is famous for establishing the first recorded laws against poisoning dinner guests?
Why is the popular poison-mixing theory of clinking glasses considered historically inaccurate?
In medieval Europe, what supernatural entities were people trying to scare away by clinking cups?
Before glass became common, what material were European tankards often made of that made clinking very loud?
Why did early Christians eventually adopt the practice of clinking glasses despite its pagan origins?
What ancient Greek and Roman ritual involved pouring a drink onto the ground as an offering?