Tapping Glasses: Wedding Tradition Explained

The tradition of tapping glasses at weddings is a signal for the couple to kiss. It is thought that the custom originated in the Middle Ages when people believed that alcoholic drinks contained spirits or demons. As bells and other sounds were thought to drive out spirits, the clinking of glasses was believed to make the drink safe to consume. Today, many couples are choosing to opt-out of this tradition, instead turning to more personalised alternatives.

The tradition of glass-tapping originated in the Middle Ages when alcoholic drinks were thought to contain spirits

The tradition of glass-tapping at weddings is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages when people believed that alcoholic drinks contained spirits. The belief was that these spirits, such as the 'demon' in 'demon rum', would inhabit the drinker's body, causing them to act in unusual ways. To drive these spirits out of the alcohol, people would tap their glasses, as it was thought that bells and other sounds would banish them, making the drink safe for consumption.

This custom has evolved into a wedding tradition, where guests tap their glasses to prompt the newlyweds to kiss. While some couples embrace this ritual, others find it annoying or tacky. Some couples choose to ignore the glass-tapping altogether, while others propose alternative activities to signal a kiss. These alternatives range from guests sharing marriage advice to playing games or donating to charity.

The belief that alcoholic drinks contain spirits is not unique to the Middle Ages, as similar ideas can be found in various cultures and historical periods. For example, the term "spirit" itself is derived from the Latin word "spiritus," meaning "breath." This term was initially used to describe a supernatural being or essence. Over time, it became associated with distilled alcoholic beverages, reflecting the belief that these drinks contained the essence or spirit of the ingredients from which they were made.

In some cultures, alcoholic drinks are believed to have spiritual or supernatural properties that can influence the drinker's state of mind or behaviour. For instance, in some traditions, alcohol is offered to deities or spirits during rituals or ceremonies, with the belief that it can facilitate communication with the divine or enhance spiritual experiences.

While the specific belief that tapping glasses banishes evil spirits from alcohol may be linked to the Middle Ages, the concept of spirits in alcoholic drinks has a broader cultural and historical reach. These beliefs have shaped drinking rituals, customs, and even the language we use to describe alcoholic beverages.

Glass-tapping signals a toast or a kiss

Glass-tapping is a time-honoured tradition at weddings, often used to signal a toast or a kiss. The act of clinking glasses, also known as "tink tink tink", is a gesture that dates back to medieval times. It symbolises trust, honesty, and a toast to good health. Here are some insights into this tradition:

The History of Glass-Tapping

The custom of clinking glasses has its roots in the origins of communal drinking. In ancient times, when wine was shared from a common vessel, clinking glasses was a way to solidify bonds of friendship, trust, and unity within the group. It was also believed that the sound of clinking glasses could ward off evil spirits and protect against poisoning, although these explanations have been largely dismissed as myths.

Glass-Tapping for a Toast

Making a toast is one of the most common reasons for glass-tapping at weddings. A toast is typically given by a host or a guest of honour, who raises their glass and delivers a speech or kind words to honour the newlyweds. Guests then tap their glasses to show their support and celebrate the occasion. This tradition is believed to have originated from the practice of placing a piece of toast in a communal wine vessel during wedding ceremonies.

Glass-Tapping for a Kiss

Another popular use of glass-tapping at weddings is to prompt the newlyweds to share a kiss. While this tradition is especially prevalent in Michigan, many couples are now moving away from it and exploring more personalised alternatives. Some alternatives include providing guests with small bells to ring, inviting guests to share a story or advice about the couple, or incorporating unique kissing games.

In conclusion, glass-tapping at weddings is a versatile tradition that can be used to initiate toasts or kisses. While some couples embrace the customary kiss prompted by glass-tapping, others prefer to customise this ritual to make it more interactive and memorable for their guests.

Alternatives to glass-tapping include singing, trivia, or donating to charity

At a wedding, the sound of "tink tink tink" from a fork or knife striking a champagne flute is usually a signal for someone to either give a toast or share a kiss. However, more couples are opting out of the latter tradition and choosing alternative ways for guests to interact with them. Here are some creative alternatives to glass-tapping that include singing, trivia, or donating to charity:

Singing

Singing is a fun alternative to glass-tapping that can involve the entire wedding party. Guests can be invited to perform a love song or a song with the word "love" in it. For those who are shy, a DJ or band can select a song for guests to lip-sync to, with the newlyweds sharing a kiss if the audience enjoys the performance. This can also be turned into a contest between tables or the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Trivia

Trivia games are a great way to engage guests and can be tailored to the couple's interests. The couple can provide a list of questions and answers, with guests choosing a category. If a guest answers correctly, the couple kisses, and if they answer incorrectly, they kiss someone else or sing a love song. This option is interactive and helps break the ice, making it perfect for outgoing couples.

Donation Basket

Instead of glass-tapping, guests can be invited to donate to a good cause, such as a charity or family member's medical bills. This option eliminates the sound of glass clinking and allows the couple to support a meaningful cause. The bigger the donation, the bigger the kiss!

These alternatives offer unique and personalized ways to engage guests and create memorable moments at a wedding, moving away from the traditional glass-tapping custom.

Glass-tapping is considered obnoxious and rude by some

Glass-tapping at weddings is a tradition that is considered obnoxious and rude by some. The practice involves wedding guests tapping or clinking their glasses with cutlery to prompt the newlyweds to kiss. While some people find it fun and exciting, others view it as disruptive and annoying. Here are several reasons why glass-tapping is often frowned upon:

• Interruptions During Dinner: Glass-tapping typically occurs during the wedding reception dinner. The constant interruptions can be frustrating for the couple, who may want to enjoy their meal and engage in conversations without being repeatedly called to kiss. It can also be disruptive for other guests who are eating and socializing.
• Noise and Clutter: The sound of glass-tapping, especially when done by multiple guests simultaneously, can be loud and unpleasant. It can interfere with conversations and create a chaotic atmosphere. Additionally, the presence of cutlery and glasses on the tables may contribute to visual clutter, detracting from the carefully crafted table settings and decorations.
• Lack of Creativity: Some couples and guests find the tradition unoriginal and overdone. They may prefer more personalized and unique ways to celebrate the newlyweds, such as incorporating games and activities, or alternative methods to prompt a kiss.
• Pressure and Embarrassment: For shy or reserved couples, the pressure to kiss on demand in front of a large audience can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Similarly, guests who are not in a relationship or prefer not to display public affection may feel singled out or pressured to participate in kissing-related activities.
• Damage to Glassware: Repeated tapping or clinking of glasses can potentially damage the glassware, leading to chipped or broken glasses. This is a concern not only for the couple but also for the venue, as it may result in additional costs and cleanup.

To address these concerns, many couples choose to forgo the traditional glass-tapping and instead incorporate alternative activities that add a creative and personalized touch to their wedding celebrations. These alternatives can include singing songs, sharing stories, donating to charities, or participating in light-hearted games that involve the couple and guests. By offering these unique experiences, the wedding becomes more interactive and engaging for everyone involved, without the potential drawbacks of glass-tapping.

Glass-tapping is sometimes ignored by the couple

Glass-tapping is a wedding tradition that originated in the Middle Ages. Back then, people believed that alcoholic drinks contained spirits or demons, and the clinking of glasses was thought to drive these spirits away, making the drink safe for consumption. Today, the clinking of glasses at weddings is often a signal for the couple to kiss.

However, this tradition can be seen as obnoxious or annoying, and some couples choose to ignore it. They may feel that kissing on command is uncomfortable or that it interrupts their dinner or conversations with guests. Some couples worry about the pressure to perform and the potential for embarrassment. Others simply dislike public displays of affection.

Couples who want to avoid glass-tapping can instruct their DJ to make an announcement discouraging the practice. They can also provide guests with plastic utensils and glasses, which do not make a clinking sound. Alternatively, some couples may choose to replace glass-tapping with other activities or games that signal a kiss, such as having guests ring a bell, share a story about the couple, or donate to a good cause.

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