REGULAR WINE
Why cheap cava ought to be a smash hit with shipping Sam Chambers looks at the traditions of bashing booze against newbuilds
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efore a ship slides from its berth into the water, it must first get hit on—by a bottle of booze, usually champagne. The tradition of christening a new ship for good luck and safe travel goes way back. Many ancient seafaring societies had their own ceremonies for launching a new ship. The Greeks wore olive branch wreaths around their heads, drank wine to honour the gods, and poured water on the new boat to bless it. The Babylonians sacrificed an ox, the Turks sacrificed a sheep, and the Vikings and Tahitians offered up human blood.
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These events almost always had a religious tone to them, and the name of a favoured god or god of the seas was often invoked. In the Middle Ages, two friars would often board British ships before their maiden voyage to pray, lay their hands on the masts and sprinkle holy water on the deck and bow. The religious aspect of ship christening died off in Protestant Europe after the Reformation, especially in Great Britain. Some member of the royalty or nobility would instead join the crew for a secular ceremony of drinking from the ‘standing cup’—a large goblet, usually
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Cheap cava creates a more spectacular display as it is much bubblier that champagne
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made of precious metal and fitted with a foot and a cover—and solemnly calling the ship by her name. After taking a drink, the presiding official would pour what liquid was left onto the deck or over the bow and then toss the cup over the side of the vessel, to be caught
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