Loving cup

A loving cup is a large cup with two arching handles.^[1] It can describe a shared drinking container traditionally used at Christian lovefeasts,^[2] as well as at weddings and banquets, often made of silver. Loving cups are also given as trophies to winners of games or competitions.^[3]

For the song by the Rolling Stones, see Loving Cup (song).

Porcelain loving cup for Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee (1897)

History

A depiction of an early Christian lovefeast

Loving cups found in several Christian denominations that practice the lovefeast, including the Schwarzenau Brethren, Moravians, and Methodists.^[2]

In addition, loving cups are found in the Celtic quaich and the French coupe de mariage.^[4][5]

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".^[6] It is often without handles.

See also

• Lovespoon
• The Emperor, a chamber pot now used as a loving cup