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Thursday, August 13, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Toasts: May Ancient Romans Not Hate Me
Wedding toasts are complicated. I should know, because I've been thinking about what it is exactly that I'll say to my wonderful friend on this momentous occasion. As the maid of honor, not only am I toasting to our friendship and saluting what will(hopefully) be a long, successful, and loving marriage and partnership between two fantastic people, I will also showcase how well I know the bride and just why I'm the maid of honor. I'm not one to make things out to be about me when they're clearly not, however, when one is designated such a role (believe me, I've tried to get out of it) all eyes will be on you, all ears tuned to your words.
So, I began thinking about toasts in general. Now, I've given a few unofficial toasts (birthday parties/graduations/drunken ramblings) but nothing on such an important scale. So, where did toasts originate. I'm too lazy to do any official research, but I do know that during feasts the head of the table (usually emperor--though, you can insert King of England or, Queen, for that matter) would hoist up his or her glass and salute their guests. Now, being afraid of an overthrow as those in power are often petrified of, the emperor would give a small speech about brotherhood and allow the others to drink from his cup first...if no one died, he would consume the last gulp and the party would go on as normal. Things have changed, haven't they.
Anyway, I started looking for quotes about marriage and partnership that may supplement my speech and the following quotes are my faves so far:
"Be presidents of each other's fan clubs"
"Here is to marriage, that happy estate that resembles a pair of scissors: so joined that they cannot be separated, often moving in opposite directions, yet punishing anyone who comes between them"
"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage"
--Lao Tzu
I personally like the scissor metaphor--biting, witty, but serious and reflective at the same time.
Toasts usher in a new beginning as much as the salute the receiver. I hope only to write a toast that reflects not only their love for each other, but my love for them as well. All I can hope for is that I do them justice and don't look like a blubbering idiot.
So, I began thinking about toasts in general. Now, I've given a few unofficial toasts (birthday parties/graduations/drunken ramblings) but nothing on such an important scale. So, where did toasts originate. I'm too lazy to do any official research, but I do know that during feasts the head of the table (usually emperor--though, you can insert King of England or, Queen, for that matter) would hoist up his or her glass and salute their guests. Now, being afraid of an overthrow as those in power are often petrified of, the emperor would give a small speech about brotherhood and allow the others to drink from his cup first...if no one died, he would consume the last gulp and the party would go on as normal. Things have changed, haven't they.
Anyway, I started looking for quotes about marriage and partnership that may supplement my speech and the following quotes are my faves so far:
"Be presidents of each other's fan clubs"
"Here is to marriage, that happy estate that resembles a pair of scissors: so joined that they cannot be separated, often moving in opposite directions, yet punishing anyone who comes between them"
"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage"
--Lao Tzu
I personally like the scissor metaphor--biting, witty, but serious and reflective at the same time.
Toasts usher in a new beginning as much as the salute the receiver. I hope only to write a toast that reflects not only their love for each other, but my love for them as well. All I can hope for is that I do them justice and don't look like a blubbering idiot.
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