The Quaich: Scotland's Loving Cup

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A lovely way to give the nod to your Scottish heritage, and to add a touch of mystique to your wedding ceremony, is to dive into the rich store of Scottish ritual.

While many cultures have a tradition of sharing a loving cup as part of a wedding, the Quaich, Scotland's traditional drinking vessel, has a rich history and cultural significance that goes beyond weddings. A cherished symbol of hospitality, friendship, and unity in both social and ceremonial gatherings, it is beautiful symbol of unity for your marriage.

How to pronounce the word Quaich

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The word quaich comes from the Scottish Gaelic cuach meaning cup. While it is common to read that you pronounce it 'quake', to be authentic you need the use the Scottish ch sound as in 'loch' rather than 'lock'.

What is a Quaich

The quaich is a simple, elegant, shallow cup that has two flat handles. Traditionally it was made of wood, though modern versions, like the one I own and have available for use in ceremonies, are often crafted from silver or pewter.

Over the years, the craftmanship of quaichs has evolved, becoming ornately decorated with intricate designs and engravings. 

A quaich is customarily given as a gift for weddings and christenings/naming ceremonies, becoming a cherished family treasure passed down through the generations.

The History of the Quaich

Primarily used for sharing a drink of whisky, the quaich dates back to the 17th century when the custom of passing it round gatherings in homes and taverns to offer a warm welcome to guests appears to have originated.

In 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie gave a silver quaich to Flora MacDonald, possibly as a thank you for helping him escape to France after the Battle of Culloden. That quaich is in the collection of the National Museum of Scotland.

Why does the Quaich have Two Handles?

More than just a design feature, the two handles of a quaich had a practical use that, to this day, carries a deep symbolic meaning, unity and mutual respect.

The handles require that the quaich is offered and accepted with both hands, so neither the host nor the guest could hold a weapon at the same time. This ensures that both parties let go of any defensive posture and demonstrate openness and honesty.

Better still, because the host had to drink from it first, the guest could be reasonably confident that the quaich's contents hadn't been poisoned.

The Quaich in your Wedding Ceremony

A quaich ceremony holds a special place in Scottish wedding ceremonies. So much so that it is a common feature of marriage ceremonies held in a Registry Office!

During the ceremony, the marrying couple take turns to sip from the quaich, symbolising their union, their commitment to one another, and the merging of two families.

A variation on this, which I love to include because of the extra layer of meaning it conveys, is to hark back to the origins of the custom and have a senior member each family involved, not only in pouring the whisky (or other drink), and presenting the quaich, but also in partaking and welcoming the person their family member is marrying, into the family.

Or you can schedule your sharing of the quaich for after your vows, after you are pronounced married, or after signing your marriage certifciate and the register, as your first toast to one another as a married couple.

Or, for a sweet touch of acknowledgement  of your guests, toast one another and your guests just before you walk back up the aisle.

While whisky is the traditional tipple, and the one most often used in wedding ceremonies, you can use whatever you wish, including non-alcoholic drinks or water. I've had couples use an artisan batch distilled gin, brandy,  irn bru, and even iced tea.

Like all rituals in weddings, whether traditional or invented, it is a ritual that can be personalised and adapted to refer to its origins and serve as a reminder of the bonds that unite us all.

The Quaich in Social Gatherings

Welcoming guests with a wee dram of whisky or other spirits, is still a central feature in Scottish social gatherings, both formal and casual. In these situations the quaich is filled and passed around, showcasing the host's goodwill and generosity. Sharing a drink from the same cup embodies the spirit of friendship and hospitality that is central to Scottish culture and serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together in good company. So it is often a feature of  wedding receptions, where it may also be used for the couple's first toast to one another.

Thanks for reading!