Saturday, May 8, 2010

Jungfrauenbecher or Maiden's Cup


Dating from the 16th century, the Jungfrauenbecher or maiden's cup, was traditionally part of German wedding ceremonies during the 16th and 17th centuries. The cup, usually of German silver, is in the form of a young maiden holding a basket above her head.



The maiden's bell shaped skirt, when inverted, serves as a goblet. The small basket above the figure's head pivots so that it can remain upright when the figure is turned upside down.



According to tradition, both the skirt and the basket are filled with wine. The groom makes a toast, then drinks from the skirt, and then is to turn the figure right side up without spilling any of the wine in the smaller cup from which the bride then drinks.

Since posting this, Johanna of Silber-Rosen wrote to share the following information on the jungfrauenbecher:

"Oh Sarah, you have always very intresting items and so nice stories to tell. I appreciate this Jungfrauenbecher so much because it is a speciality of the Hanau Antique Silver Manufacturers. I was told the story, that once a young silversmith wanted to marry a nice girl. Her father told him, he would only allow the marriage when the young man would be able to create a goblet, that allows to drink both on the same time. So this Jungfrauenbecher is the result and the couple got married."



Our Jungfrauenbecher was given to us by my mother-in-law at our rehearsal dinner. She changed up the challenge a bit. We both had to drink the wine from the cups at the same time, and the first to finish their cup was said to be the one who would be the "boss" of the household. Obviously, I drank the few sips in my cup before my husband could finish his large cup of wine. You can see from this photo of our rehearsal dinner that we were amused with this challenge.



Both my own mother and my mother-in-law are dear to my heart. We lost my mother-in-law to throat cancer in the 80s. My mom, 95, is still with us. As today is Mother's Day, I'd like to raise a toast to these two incredible women who have had a lasting influence upon my own life.

Happy Mother's Day, Dear Ones!



Here is one more shot capturing the "blue hour" on the eve of Mother's Day 2010. If you missed Susan's post about "blue hour" photography, you can read it here.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

It may be Mother's Day but it is also the 2nd Sunday of the month and that means Beth @ The Gypsy Fish Journal is hosting Silver Sunday. Click here to see the beautiful and usual silver fish that Beth is spotlighting today and for a list of more silver to be shared.


43 comments:

  1. Sarah, this was not only beautiful to look at, but very interesting. Loved hearing about the special marriage cup. And I'm so glad that your mother is still with you. What a blessing! Speaking of which, I hope the two of you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. An amusing and interesting story. Beautiful maiden cup.

    Happy Mother's day

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful maiden cup and beautiful story.

    Happy Mother's Day with those you love. Treat yourself well!

    Best,
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh Sarah! What exquisite pieces! What a fun tradition! Did you sign up for my giveaway yet?...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such a beautiful tradition and a lovely piece of silver. I've never seen anything like it.
    You're blessed to still have your mum with you - I wish both of you a Happy Mothers' Day!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Sarah, Thank You for stopping by today. I like the display of your silver. And the hydrega flowers are beautiful. Enjoy your Mother's Day...Julian

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear, dear Sarah! What a beautiful tradition! I have never seen anything like this cup, and this one is an exceptional model of a lovely custom and art. Thank you for visiting me and leaving a comment. I wish you the best and most memorable mother's day!!

    Anita

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a wonderful maiden's cup & fun tradition~ Love your photo at your rehearsal dinner! Happy Mother's Day to you :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Very fun tradition...I would have loved to it in action...thanks for sharing this month. ...see you next month....Happy Mother's Day~
    {{hugs}}
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such a beautiful tribute Sarah! And most interesting, I learn something from you all the time.

    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sarah,
    I so enjoyed seeing the picture of the two of you at your rehearsal dinner, how happy you both look. The goblet is wonderful and the story to match just priceless.
    Sending love, bisous & best wishes to you & your Mother on this special day.
    ~Maggie~

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh Sarah, you have always very intresting items and so nice stories to tell. I appreciate this Jungfrauenbecher so much because it is a speciality of the Hanau Antique Silver Manufacturers. I was told the story, that once a young silversmith wanted to marry a nice girl. Her father told him, he would only allow the marriage when the young man would be able to create a goblet, that allows to drink both on the same time. So this Jungfrauenbecher is the result and the couple got married.
    Your Jungfrauenbecher is inside gilted, so I think it is at least made in 800 silver. Very nice item.
    Now I raise my glass and toast to you and your and all Mothers. Be blessed.
    Greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  13. That's one smart mother in law you had, sorry she is no longer with you. Happy Mother's day to you and your mother.
    Susanne.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the Silver Maiden Cup & the Story behind it ~ Thank you for sharing on the Beautiful Silver Mother's Day.....

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Sarah
    What lovely silver pieces.. the Maiden's cup is amazing.. such a lovely and unique piece.. I hope you have a wonderful Mothers Day.. xx Julie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Sarah,

    What a wonderful tradition. You look very happy in that photo!

    What a lovely tribute to both of "the mom's". God Bless you my friend.

    Big hugs,
    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh Sarah!

    this is a fantastic piece! It is so beautiful and the story behind it is amazing! I loved reading about it and seeing you and your hubby drink from it! What a great post.

    Happy Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What an interesting piece and and interesting story!!! the maiden cup is so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Sarah!

    I had one of those cups last year, I've regretted selling it ever since!

    Thank you so much for your unbelievably kind comments on my last post, they truly did touch my heart.

    Wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day!

    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a beautiful silver piece and what a great story that goes with it....I didn't have one at my wedding and yet the husband took the title of "Boss" without asking...Hope you are enjoying a wonderful Mother's Day!! Sue.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love that silver piece that you have and thanks for the history of it. I have never heard of that before. Hope you had a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Such an interesting & informative post, Sarah! I ♥ your jungfrauenbecher!! How cool that Johanna owns one, too & was able to share her story & photos with you. Isn't the internet amazing?!

    Lovely *blue hour* photo. I haven't tried to capture it yet.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I loved this post. I didn't know this story or tradition and it is a lovely one!

    The photo of you and your husband is wonderful!

    I'm sorry you were missing your Mother-in-Law today!

    Hope everything else was wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Sweet Sarah! Oh, this is a wonderful tradition and a lovely piece. I've never heard or seen on of these but what a treasure!
    Happy Mother's Day,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sarah,
    This is so interesting, and cute story from your other blogger who had the experience herself.

    blessings, and thanks for coming by

    barbara jean

    ReplyDelete
  26. I never heard about this cup before. How interesting! It is beautiful also....hope you had a good day.....

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a wonderful treasure! I love the story and the pic of you with your DH is sooo cute! Happy Mother's Day, Sarah!

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a great tradition! It's a lovely piece. Nice to get to see a snapshot of your wedding rehearsal. Happy Mother's Day to you, too.

    ReplyDelete
  29. What an interesting post, Sarah! And what acute photo of the newlyweds! I was unaware of Jungfrauenbeche or of the story behind it! I also scrolled down...running behind, as usual!...and I loved your pig post! lol so cute! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. It was chilly but sunny here...nice! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  30. That's a great story! I love traditional items used in special ways. Really nice! Linda

    ReplyDelete
  31. such a neat tradition and cool photo of y'all. Lezlee

    ReplyDelete
  32. such a gorgeous piece and lovely story! thanks for stopping by my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Good Morning Sarah!

    I love the story about the cup. You do have such wonderful things and stories to tell about them all!

    You absolutely were born with the gift of teaching. I am always amazed at what I learn when I read your posts. Thanks for sharing with us!

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  34. that was a delightful read! I hope you and your Mom shared some wonderful memories on Sunday. Have a super great week. xoxo Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sarah, That was so interesting and I have never heard of this story of the Maiden Cup. I just love the picture of you and your dear husband!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh Sarah, I loved this blog post. Since I am German I loved being reminded of that tradition and the
    Jungfrauenbecher is so pretty. Thank you for always leaving me such kind comments, reading them always brightens my day.
    Hugs,
    Tam

    ReplyDelete
  37. Sarah, I've seen these before, but never really known exactly how they were used. Yours is beautiful. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a beautiful piece! I had never heard the story before -so interesting!

    Manuela

    ReplyDelete
  39. I learn new things every day here in blog land. I love the way you paid tribute to the amazing women in your life with this post.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm so happy that I learned something new today...thanks for the story:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a beautiful picture! And so informative..I had never heard of that cup..just beautiful, Sarah..
    God bless your dear mom..Mine would be 97..

    ReplyDelete
  42. My brother just came over and surprised me with a beautiful maiden’s cup, I love it. He said a neighbor of his died and it was in her trash, out on the street . He saw it and researched it and brought it to me . How lucky am I to have such a thoughtful brother. Love the story of the cup. Thanks Clark

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.