To Clink or Not to Clink

We have all been there. Someone lifts their glass to propose a toast. Vessels are raised, kind words spoken and glasses begin to fly. The clinking has begun! The rules of the clink are shouted around the table: “Be sure to clink everyone’s glass,” “Clink at the top, or the middle of the glass,” “Tilt your glass this way or that.” Glasses are cracking, beverages spilled and armpits thrust into faces as guests reach across others to pass along their good cheer. The practice can be a bit confusing, don’t you think?
At the risk of becoming the proverbial cosmic killjoy of toasting, I think it is time to set the record straight about the ever-endearing clink of a toast. There is no real proof or evidence that we are aware of concerning where the clink came from. However, there are a few theories:

Safety From Poison – Hundreds of years ago, when it was quite common to poison your enemy, a toast was seen as a gesture of good faith. Some speculate that the clink was a subtle way for wine to be passed between glasses to prove it was safe. This may still prove beneficial when the relatives arrive …

Chasing Away of Evil Spirits – Evil spirits were blamed many times for drunkenness (good try). The clink of the glass was believed to drive the evil spirit away.

A Legendary Explanation of the Clink – To engage all five senses for the greatest pleasure, touch the glass, see the color of the wine, smell the fragrance, taste the flavor and clink glasses to ‘hear’ the toast.

The truth is, it is impossible to pinpoint the moment when the first vessel was raised in honor of another. Through the generations, the simple act of toasting became entwined with other customs. At some point, the gesture of clinking glasses became popular. It is believed that this began during the Christian era, holding the intention that the clink would produce a noise to banish the devil. It would not be until the 17th century that the act was actually referred to as a toast. The first recorded instance was in England in A.D. 450 by the British King Vortigern. A crouton was placed in the drink, the reason remaining somewhat obscure. It is believed it was to improve the flavor of the drink and soak up any impurities. This was a common practice and referred to as “toast”.

The common denominator of the toast throughout history is found in its intent. The objective of a toast has been, and continues to be, to bring honor to someone or something. So does it matter if I clink or not when I toast? You bet it does!
In professional business etiquette or formal settings, the use of a clink is considered in poor taste. For example, one would never clink after a toast at a business function, or following a raised glass to the Queen. The clinks of a toast are left to the festivities of weddings, casual dinners or socializing at the pubs. The critical aspect is: follow your host. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If the host clinks, follow; if she does not, follow her lead.

Rules of Toasting:
The first toast should be given by the host.
Make sure everyone has a drink that is at least half full.
Bring the recipient of the toast near you.
Never get attention using flatware or glassware. Stand and ask for everyone’s attention.
When proposing a toast, be prepared, keep it short and be seated.
Make eye contact with the person you are toasting and with the group.
Hold your glass by the stem and raise to shoulder height.
Speak words that are gracious. Do not mix your toast with another agenda. Keep it in good taste.
Invite all guests to join you.
Never drink to yourself – this is like patting yourself on the back and considered rude.

Toasting is a powerful tool. It can calm troubled waters and it can ‘seal the deal.’ A toast has the ability to raise someone’s spirits and make them feel important. The beverage in the vessel or the clink of the glass is not as important as the bestowing of honor where it is due. The decision to clink or not to clink is your call. Now you can make an informed decision.

The power of acknowledgment that is contained in a raised glass cannot be orated with more eloquence than with the words crafted by Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” So, raise a glass, sisters, someone needs to feel empowered by your words of kindness today.

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Jan Goss, Founder, Civility Consulting
Developing Confident Courteous Professionals
Professional Etiquette Consultant Specializing in Professional Development
jan@civilityconsulting.com   p:512.382.6013  c:512.577.8479