Quaich

[GlassMan]

Traditionally, the quaich was used to offer a "wee dram" to a visitor when arriving or departing a home. There's a great painting in Stuart Reid's book "Highland Clansman" that shows a Highland laird offering a quaich to a visitor arriving at the gate of his estate.

In our Scottish society, we use the quaich at our Burns Supper to give the piper his dram for escorting the Haggis, and for the person Addressing the Haggis (I always make sure to wipe and turn it, a la a chalice at the Mass!)

Glassman's idea to use the quaich at his reception to share a dram with friends and family is quite correct in the ancient right of hospitality -- once offered, it can never be taken back! :mrgreen:

I've studied the use of common chalice as well (I'm a chalice-bearer/sub-deacon) in the Episcopal Church, and most research indidcates that the alcohol and wiping the rim will kill the germs. Communion wine usually has a higher alcohol content for this very reason.

I've heard folks at church make similar comments about the common chalice as Schultz's in-laws, but every Padre I have talked to says that a handshake at the peace is far more likely to spread germs than the chalice is!

Cheers,

Todd

So, more likely to get toasted on communion wine than others? I didn't know that the alcohol content was higher. What does that say for the fellow who has to chug the leftover wine, so that none remains of the wine that underwent the miracle on the altar. Don't envy the person who has to do that neither from the germ perspective or the risk of a drinking and driving charge on the way home from church.[/QUOTE]

If communion wine is a higher proof than regular wine, that that helps explain Father Dave after he drained the rest of the consecrated wine after mass was over (can't just pour the blood of Christ down the drain. It must be consumed or given to the earth.)

[Paul Henry]

sorry I seem rather late in this reply, but it is ususally considered"safe" because the in the cup reacts with the alcohol to sterilise any germs....!!