Holidays, celebrations and meetings are approaching and this means toasting. Toasting to thank for health, company, wishing for new beginnings or simply out of habit. But why do we toast? What is the root of this gesture shared by so many cultures? Is there an optimal way to toast?
Symbolic and etymological origin
Its origin dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. Toasting was a ritual to venerate the gods and at the same time an act of trust between diners. The host took the first sip to prove that the drink was not poisoned and the glasses were clinked so that the liquid mixed, thus ensuring that all the glasses contained the same liquid.
Regarding the etymological origin, already in the 16th century, the victory of Emperor Cales V with the capture of Rome popularized its use. The raising of glasses by high-ranking officials and the act of clinking them, while pronouncing in German “bring dir’s” (I offer you) evolved into the word “brindis” that we use in Spain today.
How to toast?
To enjoy the toast, in addition to the company and the symbolism that surrounds it, it is also important to put it into practice correctly. Therefore, to toast with wine it is essential that the glass is wide, with a large or slightly narrow mouth so that the wine breathes and its aromas unfold, and only fill it up to a third or the widest part of it. Once served, hold the glass by the elongated part, pronounce a few words, clink the glass with the guests and cheers!