This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Raising a glass — is not just a feast moment, but a small ritual that has symbolic meaning in all cultures. Almost every people has their own word or phrase accompanying this gesture — wishes for health, happiness or unity.
The most famous word — is in Ukraine “Let's be!” (from “to be”). Answer — “Hey!”, which means “yes, let's!”. It is a wish for life, good health and shared well-being. Sometimes Ukrainians say too “For Health!”, “Fortunately!”, “To be led!” or more humorous “To avoid falling!”. In rural regions, you can hear toasts like “To drink and not sleep for another hundred years!” <TAG1> with humor but good wishes.
It sounds most often in Poland “Na zdrowie!”, which literally means “For Health!”. In the Czech Republic — “Na zdraví!”, and in Slovakia — “Na zdravie!”. A similar wish can be heard in Lithuania (“ран sveikatą!”) and Latvia (“Priekā!”).
The Germans say during the feast “Prost!” or more solemnly “Zum Wohl!” <TAG1> — For welfare!“. In France they shout “Santé!” (“Health!”), in Italy — “Salute!”, and in Spain — “¡Salud!” <TAG1> they all share a common Latin root and the same meaning: wishes for health.
In English-speaking countries, the most common word is — “Cheers!”, which comes from Old English chiere (“joy”, “mood”). It means not only “let's”, but also “thank you”, “ura” or just a sign of goodwill. In Scotland, you can hear a more traditional one “Slàinte!” <TAG1> Gaelic form of same wish — Cheers!“.
In Japan, before drinking, they say “Kanpai!” ( ⁇ ) — literally “dry glass”, i.e. “drink to the bottom”. In China — “Gān bѣi!” ( ⁇ ), which has the same meaning. They say in Korea “Geonbae!”, also in the sense of “for health” or “drink to the end”.
Despite different languages and cultures, the meaning of these toasts is universal: to wish goodness, unity and joy. All these words — a way to show that this moment is shared and the table and glasses bring people together.
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