TALE OF THE NEW YEAR TOAST Words by Teresa Spencer The New Year’s toast is a custom that celebrates of the advent of a new year. Made at the stroke of midnight usually while standing up is unlike most other toasting traditions which are usually made just before consuming a meal. Well, at least that’s how the ancient Romans did it. In the late 17th century, it was common practice to add scorched bread or a stale crouton to a glass of wine as it was known to improve the quality of poor wine. No one is certain when the first “toast” was actually made, but it’s believed to be in the 6th century B.C. The practice began to praise the gods while wishing for health and wellness. Another theory on how the practice of toasting began is traced back to the pagan religion in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. Practitioners would drink from a ritual cup that was filled with blood or wine. Any that was left was offered as a gift to their gods wishing for good health, prosperity and love. Since its inception in 1792, the Old Farmer’s Almanac indicates that the act of toasting was used in medieval times to ward off evil. As glasses clinked and people cheered, they believed that these actions, along with spilling some on the floor, would satisfy the bad spirits so they would not bother the peasants, serfs and farmers. Another theory according to the almanac is that toasting simply enhances the senses, meaning clinking glasses added a festive sound to the occasion and promoted coming together of friends physically in a communal celebration. Of course, the New Year’s Eve toast is a tradition that is celebrated all over the world with many variations. The Japanese sip sake while a bell is struck 108 times. Russian toasters write a wish on paper, burn it and throw it into a glass of spumante to be consumed at the stroke of midnight. Germans toast with “Feuerzangenbowie” (or “drink of fraternity”) served in a bowl of red wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves and orange peels. Here in America, champagne seems to be the most common choice for the NYE toast or whatever you have in your hand if you weren’t lucky enough to get a glass of champagne. In the spirit of the tale of the new year toast, we came up with a small list of suggestions we found for your New Year Toast in the Jacksonville area. Cheers! May you all have a very safe, happy and healthy New Year.
34 Folio Weekly
