What happened to the fine art of toasting?
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The practice of toasting may have begun as early as 6th century BC. To some degree or another it has always been a sign of friendship. Although back then, it was as much a symbolic act of friendship as proof that the drinks were not poisoned (apparently this was a very common way of disposing of an enemy).
I feel that toasts have gone out of style in this country.
So, in an effort to bring back this ancient practice (toasting, not poisoning people), I give you a quote to end the week with. Feel free to use this toast, or at the very least, make your own toast. Make eye contact. Be genuine. Raise your glass. Cheers!
I do not know to whom I should credit this toast, so if you know, please leave a comment:
“I would like to make a toast to lying, stealing, cheating and drinking. If you’re going to lie, lie for a friend. If you’re going to steal, steal a heart. If your going to cheat, cheat death. And if you’re going to drink, drink with me.”
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September 12th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
It’s interesting that you feel that toasts have gone out of style in this country. Now for me, I am not seeing this when enjoying wine with my family and friends. We always have a toast, even if it’s just the two of us enjoying a glass of wine on a casual Saturday afternoon. We at least clink our glasses with a simple, “Sante!” And you really don’t have to wax poetic, lyrical, eloquent, philosophical toasts either, just a simple acknowledge of those around you sharing the good wine and times.
Do you think this may be a generation thing? Well, in any event I am really glad that you are bringing this to the attention of your readers. This is a great post. Thanks.
September 12th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I’m with Catie - lots of toast around here, and it ain’t all sourdough! But I usually say “clunk!”
September 12th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I’ll say that toasting has definitely lost its touch and presence,,, at least its meaning.
It seems like a waste when myself or others simply go, “Cheers!” Seconds later I’m thinking, “Damn! I should have said something with meaning and substance! Something to really suck the marrow out of life in all its glory!”
Sasha, your toast reminded me of that Gibran quote, more of a respect/reverence for the communal nature of imbibing…
September 15th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Is the quote you are talking about:
“let ther be in your heart a song for each cup…”?
Les
September 15th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Ahh, what a great subject. I have a lot to say about this, actually. (I am sure that isnt a shock to those that follow me on twitter!)
I relate to Jefe and Catie in that whenever I’m out with friends, or they’re over, we always toast the first drink. It may be something as simple as “To good friends”, but there are some words said, and a clink of glasses.
However, I havent seen true toasting in about 4 years, and before that, maybe at a wedding. I went to a dinner with all of the senior managers of my company at the CEO’s house. He served some fabulous wine and an exquisit meal. During the evening he would randomly ask people to stand up and make a toast, including his (then) 18 year old son. I believe they were members of “Toast Masters”, or at least someone said they were. I found that quite impressive, that they were able to think of the right words to say at the right time.
I promised myself I would work on that, and to this end I give my little “To Friends” toasts when we all get together. Your post has reignited that fire, and I’m going to commit to have something good to say Saturday the 20th when I toast with new friends.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
What often happens after a Cheers! (or a Clunk!) is that someone does in fact remember something marrow-sucking that must be said. I don’t see that anything is broken. What we DON’T have is the 19th century practice of toasting and out-toasting ad nauseum until we’re all plastered. I’m OK with that! (Les: what that quote makes me think of is lingerie more than wine…)
September 16th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Matt, Claire, el jefe,
In a way I agree with all of you - but mostly with Matt. Claire, toasts have gone out of style and its not just the crowd that I hang with. I am by no means trying to diminish the importance of a quiet “Sante” (or na zdarovie in Russian) on a Saturday afternoon, but in my mind this is not as much of a toast as it is an acknowledgment of the occasion and of those you are drinking with. But this is perfectly fine - not every occasion calls for a long winded, meaningful verbiage on the significance of the occasion which brought people together.
But what el jefe is not quite grasping (or maybe he does, and does not believe in it) and Matt is reminiscing about ARE those toasts consisting of potentially long, but meaningful verbiage. The challenge with these types of toasts is not simply going through the routine of raising your glasses and looking each other into the eyes (another concept which quite frequently is lost in the American world of toasting), but to think more deeply on the occasion - how lucky you are to be with friends, why you enjoy being there, etc. I would even say (and I might be contradicting myself) is that what you say is not nearly important as taking the time to have everyone say something - long or short, but meaningful. But then again, there is nothing wrong with throwing in a comical toast if that floats your boat….In conclusion, raise your physical or metaphorical glass to BREAD! Because without bread, we would have no toast!
P.S. Bob and Leslie - Different quote, although I like the Khalil Gibran excerpt - we have AmericanWinery t-shirts with that full quote on the back:) Now THAT would be a long winded one to recite as a toast!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Here’s to the toast-and toasting revitalization!
I have found that with my family, parents uncles and aunts, that we do a fair amount of “casual” toasting–not much is said but its a mutual starting point and a sense of reverence is observed. But more than that the only setting Ive seen a good quality toast with poignant language has been during the holidays. I rarely toast with my friends and I believe thats a pity. In this twitter, blogging, and work around the clock age, we have fewer moments to stop and smell the roses, or the Merlot, and toasting with friends may be a great way to say some kind words and get a chance to catch your breath.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Short toasts, long toasts and simply raising your glasses are all great in my book. The only issue I take with long toasts is that I feel the need for them to be really amazing and as a result I rarely do them. LAME. Here’s to sucking it up and saying what you want to say even if it doesn’t come out exactly right!
September 18th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Sasha, Did I miss Claire’s comments somewhere?
September 19th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Catie, I guess my subconscious just decided that your name was Claire that morning. Its a wonder what an un-caffeinated brain can do prior to the morning wakey-juice. Hope I did not offend.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Hahaha! I understand about the “wakey-juice.” It takes more than that to offend me, but I was beginning to doubt my own memory and reading abilities as I perused the comments a few times wondering how I missed out on Claire’s comments. Thanks Sasha.
September 20th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I agree with you Sasha about looking them right in the eye. I noticed some Europeans (esp. Eastern Europeans) will be offended if you do not! Helps you connect with everyone as you raise the glass :-)