What Is the Origin of Marriage Toasts?
The wedding toast seems to be a tradition as old as the wedding itself. The consumption of wine at weddings appears in writing as early as the Bible. Many traditions, wedding toasts included, were based on symbolism, religion, folklore, superstition, and were even thought to ward off evil spirits. Though the actual origin of the wedding toast is difficult to pinpoint, certain parts of the tradition turn up in history and folklore.
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Ancient Greece
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Some say that the idea of toast can be traced as far back as Ancient Greece. Fear of poisoning was common among the Greeks, and they would drink together at large gatherings to show that the wine was safe. As a sign of good will, the host would take the first sips from the same decanter that everyone else would use.
Wine And Weddings
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Wine has long been a part of wedding traditions, dating as far back as weddings mentioned in the Old Testament. In addition, wine has been a symbol of life, vitality, and abundance in many cultures.
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"To Life, To Health, To Love."
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Ever noticed how wedding toasts all tend to wish for the same things? The idea of wishing for health, life, and happiness dates as far back as 450 A.D. in Saxony. The story goes that a woman, who ended up becoming a bride by the end of the evening, was in the presence of British King Vortigern when she said a simple sentiment: "Lord King, be of health." The King was so moved by this that he began to make love to the woman and by the end of the day had asked for her hand and married her. It is said that since then warm sentiments of health, life, and love have been common at weddings.
Toast in a Wedding
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Although it would seem that toasts have been around since the beginning of time, the actual wedding toast is credited to French tradition, where toasted bread would be placed at the bottom of the drinking glasses of the newlyweds. The newlyweds would then drink as fast as they could to get to the toast. The one who reached the toast first would be the one who ruled the household.
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References
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