I heard an amusing story about alcohol from an acquaintance who lived in Russia for over ten years. As someone who loves alcohol, this is a story about alcohol that allows people to connect with each other across borders. This person is now in his 70s and does not drink, but he is also very knowledgeable about the history of vodka and other alcoholic beverages.
During the reign of Peter the Great (17th century onwards), the top of the 100 meter tall tower, the city symbol, was destroyed, but it would take a great deal of time and effort to repair it. A carpenter bought it and repaired in a short time, and the king was so pleased that he asked if there was anything he wanted, and he wanted him to drink it anywhere in the city and got it tattooed on his throat. Unlike bills and paper certificates, it guarantee until you die. After that, it became customary for Russians to invite each other for a drink by pointing two fingers at their throats.
This invitation is similar to the appearance of drinking ochoko (small sake cup) in Japan, but pointing to the right throat is the Russian style, and holding the ochoko with the left hand and stretching it out is the Japanese style.
Mr. U, who asked for details, sent me a detailed explanation, so I will paste it as is below.
In 1830, the cross held by an angel that shone atop the spire (122.5 meters) of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the tallest building in St. Petersburg at the time, was broken by a storm. It looked like it would fall if a strong wind blew. Tsar Nicholas I, at the time sent out an appeal asking for people to repair it, but he did not want to spend too much time and money on it, so he made it a condition that not using a scaffolding. No one came forward because they were afraid of working at such a high place, but Terushkin, a roof carpenter from the Yaroslavl region, offered to do it with just a rope and successfully repaired it. The emperor was delighted and asked if there was anything he wanted reward, to which the carpenter replied, “I’d like to have a drink at the emperor’s expense in any tavern.” After receiving his certificate, he went out drinking almost every night, but he got drunk and eventually lost his certificate. So he had it tattooed on his throat so he would never lose it. Since then, when he asked for drink money, he would flick his throat with his index finger and leave the store. After that, this gesture became a custom for Russians to invite each other for a drink.
＠brewed liqure from local raw materials in the world (there are various legends, such as the earliest story of a monkey hiding fruit in the hollow of a tree and fermenting it). There is a history and drinking methods that make life enjoyable, but there are also cases where people become addicted to alcohol. In addition, some countries have established laws such as age restrictions, as it can lead to not only alcoholic, but also crime. And there is an alcohol tax purposes. There are also uses for climate (lowering fever) and medicinal elements, but just like smoking tobacco, so be careful.
For beer lovers, wine lovers, whiskey lovers, sake lovers and shochu lovers may to have a drink that suits you. But lower alcohol content comes at a higher price because too much drink. The high degree of alcohol affects your health, but alcohol can also use for cooking and dyeing.
I Suchitoo researched Okinawa’s “Awamori” culture, and love drinking. It is full of amazing stories about the relationship with China (hospitality of the Shoho envoys) and the history of the Age of Exploration. Surprisingly, many people don’t know about Thai roots (Thai rice).
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion and attack on Ukraine can not tolerate. I wish I could have a toast to peace and good health.
＊suchitooのHP; http://marsk.html.xdomain.jp/