A loving cup is a large cup with two arching handles.[1] It can describe a shared drinking container traditionally used at weddings and banquets, often made of silver. Loving cups are also given as trophies to winners of games or competitions.[2]
History
Loving cups found in several European cultures, including the Celtic quaich and the French coupe de mariage.[3]
The Russian bratina ("fraternity cup" or "brotherhood cup") is a wine bowl also used for banquets. It is considered the "Russian version of the loving cup".[4] It is often without handles.
^Peter Andrews (1983). The Rulers of Russia. Stonehenge. p. 50. ISBN978-0-86706-051-5. Another exceptional vessel was the bratina. This Russian version of the loving cup, or toasting bowl, was passed from person to person, uniting all who drank from it in etemal brotherhood.
