A quaich is an unusual bowl-like object with two handles (or lugs as the Scots would call them), on either side. Also known as the ‘cup of friendship’, this quirky little bowl has its roots deeply embedded in Scottish history.
Coming from the Gaelic word for cup, ‘cuach’, quaich is often pronounced as ‘quake’, however, to be more authentic, the hard ‘k’ should actually be pronounced as ‘ch’, similar to loch.
But what is the meaning behind the quaich?
The quaich was traditionally used throughout Scotland as a drinking cup. But this isn’t an everyday drinking cup, a quaich is a symbolic cup used to welcome guests and to demonstrate the coming together of two clans. The cup would be filled with a drink, most often whiskey, and drank using both hands before being passed to the guests or the chief of the other clan. By using both hands to drink, you were demonstrating your trust in the other and proving there were no weapons in your hands.
Quaichs in weddings and christenings
This welcoming of two people or clans and representation of their forming bond transitions well into wedding ceremonies with quaichs being used by the bride and groom to toast their wedding and the joining of the two families. Both the bride and groom would add their favourite drink to the cup before each taking a drink from it.
At christenings, a quaich was often used to ‘wet the baby’s head’. A Scottish tradition of celebrating the birth of a new family member with a wee dram of whiskey.
Use of quaichs today
Nowadays, quaiches make perfect wedding and christening gifts. These beautiful bowls are a lovely alternative to the usual His and Her’s mugs and babygrows. And afterwards, the cup can be used to keep wedding rings safe or to store precious keeps safes for the new baby.
Northumberland Quaich
Designed and made in Northumberland, I couldn't call my own take on the quaich anything else but the Northumberland Quaich. With a wider rim than usually found on traditional quaich, my design is a modern take on this symbolic cup. Perfect for weddings, christenings and anniversary gifts, or simply just something pleasing to fit into your home.
