What’s your favourite drinking custom? Let us know by sending us a note on our contact page, HERE, and one lucky contributor will score a bottle of Clænsian hangover Remedy on us! In the meantime, here are a few of the weirdest drinking customs from around the world.
Saying ‘cheers!’ is a universal prelude to sharing a few drinks. In many cultures, the clinking or bringing together of glasses is believed to scare off evil spirits lurking in the liquid. But have you ever wondered about the origins behind this convivial exclamation and the custom of clinking glasses? Well, wonder no more because you are about to embark on a journey through an array of drinking traditions, hailing from various corners of the world, ranging from the familiar ‘cheers!’ to other delightfully eccentric and weird customs.
To toast or not to toast?
Let’s start with the term ‘toast’. The act of ‘toasting’ is a quaint historical practice, stemming from the Elizabethan era, where drinkers would add a piece of toast to their beverages to enhance the flavour. Usually owing to the poor quality of spirits served at the time. William Shakespeare even immortalised this practice in literature, depicting characters requesting spirits to be served with toast submerged within them.
It's all in the eye of the beholder.
In several European countries, maintaining eye contact during a toast is not merely a matter of etiquette but a superstition laden with dire consequences. Legend has it that breaking eye contact invites seven years of misfortune in matters of intimacy. Similarly, in Spain, toasting with water is believed to evoke the same ill fate, highlighting the gravity attached to this seemingly innocuous gesture. In other countries, if you were to toast with water, you would be required to do it twice. “Cheers! Cheers!”, will get you off the hook with those superstitious demons.
When you have Georgia on your mind.
Georgia, the country in Europe, not the state in the USA or you best mate’s girlfriend, is renowned for its hospitality and convivial spirit. Georgians elevate toasting to a grand spectacle during gatherings. With designated toastmasters leading the ceremony, guests engage in a flurry of toasts honouring family, friends, dignitaries, departed souls, and even cherished memories. While wine or spirits flow abundantly during the hours of toasts, those who favour an ice-cold beer will be disappointed. Ales and beers of any type remain conspicuously absent from the celebratory repertoire. Cheers in Georgian: გაუმარჯოს (gau-mar-jos)
Toasting is a shoo-in in Ukraine (pun intended).
Wedding festivities in Ukraine harbour a whimsical tradition where guests tussle with each other to abscond with the bride's shoe, earning the privilege to make demands of his or her fellow revellers. Amongst many traditional demands, directing a guest to drink from the bride’s shoe is one of the more curious expectations. Albeit only slightly less unorthodox, in some instances, the bride’s shoe is typically affixed to a glass, sparing those required to drink from it, a literal taste of leather. Cheers in Ukrainian: будьмо (bood-mo).
Celebrating the resistance to toasting in Hungary:
Following their defeat in the 19th-century Hungarian revolution, in a symbolic gesture of defiance against their Austrian aggressors, Hungarians banned the act of toasting with beer. This tradition continued for 150 years as a mark of national solidarity and respect for the Hungarians who had fallen during the Austrian-Hungarian conflict. Though the stipulated period has elapsed, the tradition of saying ‘cheers’ has yet to reclaim its foothold in Hungarian social gatherings. Cheers in Hungarian: Egészségére (Egay-shey-gerra).
Water, wine, and Italian wisdom:
Italian dining customs are synonymous with tradition, simplicity, and sophistication, and that goes for drinking too. You’ll only find water and wine – the most famous being Chianti from a specific region of Tuscany – served at a traditional Italian meal. You might be offered still or sparkling water, but don’t expect to find beers and soft drinks. Such beverages have no place on a traditional Italian table. It’s all about reaffirming the traditions of the past and the nation's reverence for gastronomic delights that bind families, friends, and guests together. Cheers in Italian: Cin cin (chin chin).
Sconcing is punishment by hangover:
Sconcing is a tradition at Oxford University, which demands that a person drink a tankard of ale or some other alcoholic beverage as a penalty for some breach of etiquette. Minor offences for which a sconce might have been imposed included talking at dinner about women, religion, politics, or one's work, referring to the portraits hung in the college hall, or making an error in the pronunciation of the Latin Grace. Originally the penalty would have been a simple monetary fine imposed for a more serious breach of discipline. The word ‘sconcing’ is known to have been used in this sense as early as 1617. This tradition has evolved into a light-hearted ritual, akin to a spirited rendition of “Never Have I Ever." Cheers in English: Cheers (cheers).
The rituals and reverence of drinking in Korea:
Korean drinking customs are steeped in intricate protocols, particularly concerning the deference shown towards elders. Rituals dictate that younger individuals receive their preferred libations with dignity and a high level of respect. This is symbolised by standing or kneeling and accepting your drink with both hands, underscoring the importance of hierarchical reverence. Cheers in Korean: 건배 (ge-on-bae).
Chilling revelations from Japan:
In a chilling revelation from Japan – a country recognised for its adherence to centuries of traditions and rituals, embracing innovation seems strange to many westerners. When it comes to how they treat drinking wine, Japan is known for the unorthodox and, some might say, unconventional trend of consuming "Wine on the Rocks." Whereas such practices would be considered gauche in France, and unforgivable in Australia, advocating for the consumption of chilled wine in Japan is a culinary complement. This avant-garde approach to wine appreciation has transcended conventional norms, garnering popularity even within fast-food establishments. Cheers in Japanese: 乾杯 (kan-pai).
Canada’s toe-tingling tradition:
We’ve saved the weirdest tradition until last. Forget eating chickens’ feet in Asia, nestled amidst the quaint customs of Canada lies an eccentricity of unparalleled intrigue: A cocktail that includes a unique ingredient – a preserved human toe. The Sourtoe Cocktail is practically a rite of passage for visitors to Dawson City, Yukon. It's a simple drink, a shot of whiskey – usually Yukon Jack – lots of ice, and a mummified human toe. Legend has it the original toe belonged to a bootlegger who lost it to frostbite in the 1920s and put it in moonshine to preserve it. Originating from a fortuitous discovery by a local miner, this peculiar tradition has evolved into a daring feat of drinking prowess. To order a Sourtoe and finish the drink is considered a badge of honour. Cheers in Canadian/French Canadian: Cheers or À votre santé (ah votra sontay) in French-speaking provinces, such as Quebec.
The origins of saying ‘Cheers.’
Finally, why do we say ‘Cheers’ before consuming alcohol? Tracing back to ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, the act of offering a verbal salutation, before partaking of a drink, was a customary gesture during ceremonial feasts. As revellers raised their glasses, they invoked blessings upon the departed and celebrated the vitality of the living. This tradition of expressing "good cheer" found its way into English culture, giving rise to the ubiquitous term ‘cheers’ so many of us use today.
About Clænsian Hangover Remedy.
In wrapping up our exploration of diverse drinking customs, it's important to remember the value of drinking responsibly, the importance of moderation, and mindfulness. However, for those moments when one might find themselves overindulging in the merriment of the moment, fear not. Clænsian Hangover Remedy is your drinking buddy, on hand to provide relief, ensuring that the enjoyment of a few too many ‘cheers’ is always accompanied by something to make it better the morning after.
Clænsian Hangover Remedy is a meticulously designed solution to combat the unpleasant effects of excessive drinking. Clænsian contains carefully selected ingredients, each serving a specific purpose in alleviating hangover symptoms. In fact, clinical studies indicate the ingredients in Clænsian Hangover Remedy effectively increase the metabolism of alcohol, thereby relieving the symptoms of a hangover and promoting the process of regaining sobriety. Kudzu Flower, Turmeric, Ginger, Siberian Ginseng, and essential B vitamins, including Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), and Pantothenic Acid (B5), work together to address the various symptoms of a hangover. To use Clænsian Hangover Remedy safely, it's recommended to take two capsules with water, after drinking alcohol, and before going to sleep. This allows the remedy to work effectively while you rest. It is crucial not to exceed the recommended daily dose to avoid unwanted side effects. Clænsian Hangover Remedy is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, produced and licensed in Australia, meeting the highest GMP quality standards for your safety and well-being.
Let's raise our glasses to weird and wonderful drinking traditions, and responsible drinking, knowing that Clænsian is here to assist you restore balance and keep those hangovers at bay. Cheers to a world of diverse customs, enjoyed responsibly and with peace of mind.
Shop for Clænsian Hangover Remedy below.