Guest Blogger, Sarah Hoss on The History of the Scottish Quaich

Today, I'd like to welcome a new guest blogger to History Undressed. Sarah Hoss is a member of Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, which is where I met her, and she has just completed her first Scottish Historical. Wishing you much luck with submissions, Sarah! Now onto her interesting post... a little Scottish history for you, dear readers.

The History of the Scottish Quaich

by Sarah Hoss

Have you ever heard of a Quaich? It has a long history in Scotland. It is pronounced quake and comes from the Gaelic word “cuach.” During the Celtic period in ancient times, stories were told of how Druids would fill the Quaich with blood from the heart of their human sacrifices. Surrounded by mystery and myth, it has a colorful history.

A Quaich is a unique Scottish drinking vessel used in offering a drink of welcome or farewell. It is not like any other European drinking vessel. Travelers were known to carry a Quaich with them and the preferred offering was a dram of whisky.

The origin of the Quaich has been traced back to the Highlands. However, towards the end of the 17th century, the unique cup became more popular in the larger towns of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Quaichs were first believed to have been made of scallop shells but traditionally were made of wood. They were single timber, meaning they were made from one piece of wood turned on a lathe (a machine which rotates wood as it sands, cuts, drills or otherwise changes the shape of the object). They were wide, shallow and circular and from the sides of the rim jut small lug handles. The lugs project much of the Quaich’s special uniqueness in their design.

Early quaichs were stave-built, like barrels--meaning several bands of wood, typically held together by bands of willow or silver. To make a Quaich more unique, some would alternate light and dark woods. But they were not only made of wood--staves could be fashioned from stone, brass, pewter, horn, and silver. Silver Quaichs were often engraved with lines and bands in imitation of the staves on wooden Quaichs.

The center of the bowl would hold a silver coin or an engraved disc that would have the clan’s motto, coat of arms, or initials in it. The discs served as a sealant at the bottom where the staves met. A romantic gesture had a Quaich bottom made of two pieces of glass with a lock of the bride’s hair in between and the husband would drink to his lady love. In 1589, it is rumored that King James VI of Scotland, gave Anne of Norway a Quaich or “loving cup” as a wedding gift. It is also said the some Quaichs held glass bottoms to be able to keep an eye on their host.

I haven’t been able to find out if the latter is true or not. Part of me wants to believe that it is not after hearing over and over about hospitality in Scotland and how honor bound the clansmen were to upholding such a thing.

In modern times, the Quaich has been used at baptisms, at births to toast the health of the bairn, and at weddings. The wedding party drinks from a Quaich to show love and support.

Whatever its use, the Quaich has been a symbol of love and friendship. Through more than three hundred years, this tiny cup has brought together clan chiefs, crofters, strangers, and merchants under the banner of unity. The Quaich holds a special place in the hearts of anyone who cherishes Scotland and its history.

Visit Sarah at http://www.heart-of-romance.blogspot.com/