A stein is a mug designed to hold beer with a lid to prevent leakage and keep it clean. The design originated in Germany in the 1400s, and they were originally personal possessions made from various materials. Today, souvenir steins reflect German culture and are made from various materials.
A stein is a specially designed mug or cup that is intended to hold beer, although in theory any beverage could be served in a stein. In Germany, the nation that invented the stein, the cup is better known as a steinkrug or glaskrug, depending on the material used. Krug means “jug” in Middle High German, while stein means “stone”. The shortened form of the name is widely used outside of Germany, but asking for a “bite” can be confusing in parts of Germany.
The feature that distinguishes a mug from other types of beer mugs is the lid. A traditional stein has a hinged lid that is operated with a small thumb lever located directly above the handle. The drinker can handle the ene and lid with one hand which can be helpful in a busy social situation. The lid prevents beer from leaking out of the stein and also helps keep your beer clean and sanitary.
Supposedly, the stein’s design arose out of a law passed in the 1400s that required covering food and drink to prevent fly infestation. Certainly regulations were passed during the same period to dictate the quality of the beer, ensuring that it was brewed with wholesome ingredients. The increase in the stein during the same period may simply be attributable to the higher volume of high-quality beer brewed in Germany.
Any type of material could be used to make a mug. Common choices are pewter, silver, wood, stoneware, and glass. Tankards for the wealthy might be made from ivory or include gold detailing. When the stein was first developed, it was a personal possession, rather than a generic glass held in stock in a pub. Personal steels would have been highly decorative and ornamental as well as practical, integrating carving, embossing and colored enamels. A high quality tankard would serve as a status symbol.
In the modern era, many companies make souvenir items in Germany. Each region of Germany has a craft specialty and regional brewing steels often reflect aspects of German culture that are specific to a particular area. These steels are also made from an assortment of materials. Visitors can drink from these steels or take them home to display alongside a collection of other items collected on traveling expeditions. Some companies also export a small number of steels to other countries, where they can be found in specialized shops.
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