Alcohol may have existed on earth before humans

Drinking

Alcohol may have existed on earth before humans. Alcohol has spirited humans for centuries, sometimes doubling the joy and sometimes consoling the sorrow. Alcohol has developed unique drinking cultures in every country.

In Japan, alcohol was believed to be a possession of the gods. So Japanese people say, "They drink wine to get drunk with the gods." Because Japanese people lay importance on not harming others, their drinking culture pushes moderation.

China has the oldest drinking culture among the three Beseto countries. Various methods of drinking have developed and most people like to enjoy their drink in a loud atmosphere. In Korea, there's a proverb that goes, "If you want to know the inside mind of a person, drink with him." As such, drinking occasions are strict rules and manners in Korea's drinking culture. Well, let's find out the differences between the drinking cultures in the three Beseto countries.

We'll visit with Korea first.

Records on alcohol dating back as early as the first century B.C. can be found in Korea. Like with most countries, the spirits of Korea are rooted deeply with the gods. Alcohol was often used in sky worshiping ceremonies. As various types of spirites developed from the third and fourth centuries, types for the common people became very popular. A simple and comfortable drinking culture began to form. The same was true for the aristocratic class. In the 12th and13th century, drinking manners similar to that of the modern day to appear.

Since drinking is considered something to be learned from one's elders in Korea, young adults learn the various manners through such occasions. A unique drinking culture can be seen at weedings. The bride and groom's parents are also done by offering wine. The elder receives the wine first and the younger receives after.

Such wine drinking customs are still followed today. If you visit Korean taverns, you can easily find the unique drinking culture of Korea. In Korea, alcohol must be poured by someone else. If one wants to express his feelings of friendship to the other, he must fully empty his glass. This shows Korea's traditional belief in shareing everything with others, which developed from their agricultural society. Such traditions continue in the unique drinking cultures of today. But why si the same glass being passed around?

"Korea's culture of "Jung(affection)" can well be found in thier drinking culture as well. To the Korean people, sharing a glass means reveling oneself to another, and also asking the other person to reveal himself as well. The unique characteristic of Korea's drinking culture is the sharing of one's sincere passion and mind with other.

------By professor Lee, Research Center for Mental Culture

Even in this present day, drinking manners are kept as strict as the old days. So special attention must be paid when drinking with an elder person. If an elder pours you a drink, you must hold your glass with two hands and with two hands and you must turn away to drink. You must also pour with two hands with the right hand leading. Such traditions are the same when drinking wine with friends and age is not relevant. Friendship deepens while offering drinks to each other in times of special occasions and birthdays. With such traditions, a new drinking culture of the young generation is also appearing.

In Korea, meals are always eaten first before drinking. So alcohol is served only after the meal table has been cleared. Many other dishes and snacks are prepared for drinking. Other than meat dishes, the most loved side dish eaten with alcohol is pancake-like dish made with seafood, meat, or vegetables. The typical side dishes eaten with beer are the fresh assorted fruit dishes and dry cuttlefish.

The most common drinking place? The street tavern called a "Pojang-macha" They have a vast variety of side dishes prepared. It's the perfect place for heart-to-heart conversations after a long day's work. From mussel soup to cow intestines, stir-fried chicken to fried fish, various types of side dishes attract the taste of drinkers.

Various dishes are used to combat the hangover. Pollack or bean sprouts effective in counteracting alcohol's evil effects are the main ingredients in soups, a remedy that makes the stomach feel better after eating it.