Why did ancient literati like drinking? What are the drinking manners on the wine table?

Drinking is an important social activity in the life of ancient literati. Ancient literati like drinking, on the one hand, because drinking can enhance their communicative competence, on the other hand, because drinking can stimulate their inspiration and help them create poems and articles.

In ancient times, there was a set of strict etiquette on the wine table. Here are some common wine etiquette:

Toast: In the process of ancient literati drinking, toasting is an essential etiquette. Generally speaking, elders or people with high status should propose a toast first, and people with low status or low status can worship back.

Receiving wine glasses: When ancient literati drank, they usually held a cup in their right hand and then received the other's glass in their left hand to show their respect.

Raise a glass: On the ancient wine table, people usually didn't put the cup directly to their mouth to drink. Instead, you should first lift the cup and gently tilt it to the sky and the ground to show respect for heaven, earth and ancestors, and then you can put the cup to your mouth to drink.

Snacks: On the wine table, some snacks or snacks are usually provided, such as candy, nuts, preserves and so on. The function of these snacks is not only to enjoy the taste, but also to neutralize the taste of wine and reduce the stimulation of alcohol.

Dialogue: Ancient literati usually had some cultural or political discussions on the wine table, and also gave each other poems and wine poems. In such an atmosphere, literati can communicate with each other, inspire and expand their social circle.