The custom of saying cheers followed by the clinking of glasses is an age old one. It is a social ritual observed especially by the British in social gatherings or while drinking with close friends. The custom is commonly believed to be associated with the sound made by the glasses when they clink together a sound similar to the sound made by bells.
It was supposed that the sound of clinking glasses would scare away the devil; the devil was believed to be present at festive activities. Also it was believed that alcohol contained evil spirits and to clink the glasses and say cheers would rid the drinks of the spirits.
According to some people drinks can be fully enjoyed only when they involve all the senses. The bouquet or aroma of the wine involves the sense of smell, the color involves the sight, the drinking of the wine involves the senses of taste and touch while saying cheers and the clinking of glasses involves the auditory (hearing) sense.
It was supposed that the sound of clinking glasses would scare away the devil; the devil was believed to be present at festive activities. Also it was believed that alcohol contained evil spirits and to clink the glasses and say cheers would rid the drinks of the spirits.
According to some people drinks can be fully enjoyed only when they involve all the senses. The bouquet or aroma of the wine involves the sense of smell, the color involves the sight, the drinking of the wine involves the senses of taste and touch while saying cheers and the clinking of glasses involves the auditory (hearing) sense.
