Beer stein
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Drinkware |
|---|
|
Beer stein or simply Stein is English for the German term "Steinkrug", a traditional beer mug similar to the lighter tankard. Steins are made of pewter, silver, wood, porcelain, earthenware, or stoneware; and with open tops or hinged lids having a thumb-lever.
Contents |
[edit] Etymology
Beer stein derives from the German words "Bier" (beer) and "Steinkrug" ('stone' + 'crock')]. But "Bierstein" in German means beerstone- ie., beer scale- a hard biofilm of calcium oxalate, protein, and sugar formed when a brewing vessel is used repeatedly without exacting cleaning. "Stein" is German for "stone". When made of glass, such mugs are called Glaskrug, Maßkrug, or simply Maß.
[edit] Other Forms
In German-speaking regions a stein may be known as a "Humpen" (if stoneware), "Steinkrug" (earthenware) or "Glaskrug" (glass). The "Maßkrug" (or "Maß" (ie.,"Mass") meaning measure )- refers to capacious 1-liter glass mugs familiar during Oktoberfest. In Munich the familiar term is "Keferloher" as Oktoberfest mugs were once made with Keferloh clay located in Grasbrunn near Munich. As "Ein Maß" means a measure, so "Maßkrug" is also a generic term meaning measure-crock; a line inside the mug denotes correct fluid volume. Today's 'measure', or standardized serving of beer is one liter (33.8 oz.), down from 19th.-century Maßen of up to 1.5 liters.
Colorfully-decorated novelty beer steins are popular around the world- but are neither safe, nor durable for drinking; lead glazes may be used, a potential pathway for lead poisoning. Exceptional are more elaborate steins which shelter a durable and practical glass Maßkrug inserted within. Considered collectible are traditional designs such as brewery emblems, Bavarian motifs such as Neuschwanstein or the Marienplatz Rathaus-Glockenspiel of Munich, and the colorful official annual Oktoberfest souvenir mug featuring the year's winning poster design.
[edit] The Lid
During the late 1400s central Europe was repeatedly overwhelmed with summer swarms of insects. This led naturally to the practice of covering food and beverage containers, and thus greater use of lids .[1] With a thumb lever within reach of the mug handle, it's possible to open a stein with the same hand by which it's held. Lidded steins are now used out-of-doors, in beer gardens, festivals, etc. to keep the rich liquid clear of insects, tree debris, etc. As such they may serve as a sanitary measure.
"The origins of steins date back to the 14th century. As a result of the bubonic plague and several invasions of flies throughout Europe shortly thereafter, Germany established several laws in the early 16th century requiring that all food and beverage containers be covered to protect their contents. By combining a lid, hinge, and thumblift, these 'German' containers could easily be opened and closed with one hand."[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] Pictures
 German Maßkrug of Augustiner Bräu. |
 Beer mugs and stein.]] |
[edit] References
- ^ Beer Stein Article – “A Brief History of Beer Steins”
- ^ "German Beer Steins, Glass Beer Steins, Pewter German Steins". www.simplysteinbach.com. http://www.simplysteinbach.com/german-beer-steins.html. Retrieved on 2009-07-17.
[edit] External links
- A Brief History of Beer Steins, an article from a collector's website, taken from The Beer Stein Book: a 400 Year History (ISBN 1-889591-00-9)
- German Beer Steins
- (http://www.steinmarks.co.uk/) The most comprehensive collection of Stein Mark's available, compiled by Chris Wheeler.
