The quaich, or quaigh, (pronounced "quake") -a cultural icon-is the traditional Scottish drinking vessel consisting of a shallow cup, with two horizontal handles (lugs). It is a simple utilitarian design that dates back well over four hundred years. The earliest written reference to a quaich dates back to 1546, however its use had already been long established in Scottish culture.
The quaich is uniquely Scottish and not related to the English and American single-handled (rarely with two handles) porringer and the French tastevin.
Derived from the Gaelic word "cuach" meaning shallow cup, this ancient beaker originated in the Scottish Highlands and was commonly used to drink fresh water from a spring or "burn" (Scottish term for steam) or to savor an occasional dram, or two, of spirits at an inn or tavern. The precursor to the quaich was probably a scallop shell used in the Scottish Islands and Highlands . Macabre Celtic legend suggests that Druids filled the quaich with blood from the heart of sacrifice victims.
The quaich was a personal drinking cup, generally not shared with others-never leaving the hand-for fear of "poisoning," or "watering down" the whisky, and was commonly carried on a belt or affixed to a saddle as a "stirrup cup." The small size made it easy to carry on extended journeys.
Originally they were made of wood, perhaps a simple carved piece of wood. Others were constructed of wooden staves, with the skillful joining of the staves in the center of the shallow cup and sometimes concealed with a pewter or silver medallion, sometimes engraved ("print"), or a coin. Later versions were made from leather, stone, horn, or bone, and eventually various metals.
In the late 17 th Century, quaichs were beginning to be made in pewter and silver. Silver quaichs were first mentioned in the 1660s and many were engraved to resemble the old wooden staves. Some quaichs are combinations of pewter, wood, or horn with decorated pewter, silver, or brass rims and sometimes gemstone ornamentation.
The cups are made in various sizes that originally measured spirits in "fingers"-one finger, two fingers, three fingers etc. Each finger was approximately a dram (1 dram = 1/8 ounce). Some larger rare quaichs were used for ale, with the largest surviving examples having a capacity of about 1.5 pints (192 drams)!
Sir Walter Scott, the prolific Scottish historical novelist and poet, was particularly fond of a glass bottom quaich. In 1745 it had traveled from Edinburgh to Derby with the Scottish Army in Bonnie Prince Charlie's canteen. The clear glass bottom enabled the drinker to keep a suspicious eye on his companions.
A more romantic glass bottom version quaich was constructed with a double glass bottom in which was kept a lock of hair-the owner could drink to his lady love every time he raised the quaich!
King James VI of Scotland gave Anne of Norway a quaich as a wedding gift in 1589 and the custom continues today. Quaichs (quaiches) are often used at wedding ceremonies to symbolize that the newly joined couple trusts each other enough to share (quaff) from the same cup.
In Kilmuir ( island of Skye ), there is a wooden Quaich that was formerly used as a baptismal font and thus began the tradition of using a quaich as a baptismal or christening gift. At christenings, a quaich is often proudly passed around and ceremoniously drunk from to honor and celebrate the new addition to the church family.
Historically, they were also used as a "rite of manhood" gift to men who had at last attained the "drinking age."
Quaichs make treasured gifts as tournament trophies, achievement awards, reminders of cherished memories, or quality tokens of respect and friendship. These special quaichs are usually made of hallmarked pewter or silver and are often engraved and decorated in intricate Celtic detail. Sometimes, a matching base, called a "plinth," is used to accentuate the display of the quaich.
Many quaichs are passed down through generations and become cherished family heirlooms.
Mr. Klemens is an accomplished author, writer, and practicing pharmacist. He has authored a book on integrative medicine and numerous essays and articles in local, national, and international magazines, and web sites. Topics include integrative medicine, Oriental medicine, herbs and supplements, health and fitness, Scottish culture, and leadership and ethics. He is also listed in the Marquis Who’s Who in America, a member of Clan Gregor, and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
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