Why do people say ‘Cheers!’ before drinking?

Have you ever thought: Why do we say "cheers" when we clink glasses?

As a toast, "cheers" is an early 20th-century newcomer.

And as to why we tap glasses together, a few compelling theories have made the rounds…

In one, early Europeans believed that the sound of clashing tankards would scare away evil spirits.

A more recent notion suggests an appreciation among revelers for all five senses: sight, taste, smell, and, with the clinking, sound and touch. When enjoying a drink or two one can see it, feel it, taste it and smell it but can’t hear it. By clinking the glasses and saying cheers, we complete …the experience. Or so the legend goes!

But the most provocative theory of all -- and one that's much-debated -- is attached to an ancient fear that an enemy might try to poison a drink.

To prove that a drink was safe, a host would pour some of his guest's wine into his own drinking vessel and drink it first. This evolved into crashing tankards together so that a little of each drink spilled into the other. Eventually, guests and hosts demonstrated their friendship (and their trust) by touching glasses.

And one last one: When ‘cheers’ is said, glasses are raised upwards (heavenward?), and a ‘good wish’ is traditionally said. So these customs appear to have originated with offerings of alcoholic libations to the gods, and to the requests to the gods, or to fate or fortune, for good health and blessings.

I guess it’s all down to your personal preference …. In the meantime, Cheers!