In ancient Rome, the practice of dropping a piece of toast into wine carried both symbolic and practical significance, intertwining the realms of health, hospitality, and tradition. This ritual, which may seem peculiar today, was rooted in the cultural and social norms of the time.
The tradition of "toasting" in Rome is believed to have been not just a gesture of goodwill but also a measure of trust and respect among diners. In those times, it was not uncommon for less reputable individuals to poison wine; thus, sharing a drink from the same container, which had been touched by food everyone was consuming, was a way of proving the wine’s safety and the host's generosity.
Moreover, the Romans held the belief that incorporating bread into wine would temper some of the latter’s excessive effects. Bread, being a staple that was accessible and known for its absorbing qualities, could reduce the wine’s acidity and improve its taste. This was particularly pertinent given that Roman wine was markedly harsher and more potent than most modern varieties and often needed to be diluted with water or modified with honey and spices to be enjoyable.
Health implications also played a role. Ancient Romans were known for their detailed attention to health and digestion, documenting extensive thoughts on how different foods could affect the body. In this context, soaking bread in wine might have been thought to combine the beneficial properties of both — the sustenance and satisfaction of bread and the spirited, convivial qualities of wine. The soaked bread was believed to act as a sponge, soaking up not just the wine but also the virtues associated with good health and robust digestion.
This ancient practice culturally evolved into what is now known as making a "toast" during celebrations, where glasses are raised and clinked together in an expression of goodwill and communal happiness. The ritual has lost its protective and healthful connotations over the millennia but retains the core idea of shared celebration and good intentions. Although we no longer drop toast into our wine, the spirit of the custom — ensuring the well-being of all present and offering a drink from a common vessel — lives on in our modern-day toasting traditions.
