The Story Behind Our Name

Many of our customers ask about our name Lovecup and the story behind it, and most people are surprised to learn that our company is named after one of history's first home decor accent pieces, Loving Cups. Loving Cups are considered by many to be the very first home decor accessory as they have been given to newly married couples to drink from for thousands of years. So here is the story behind the Loving Cup.

With roots deep in ancient Celtic and Irish tradition, the Loving Cup is a time honored and beautiful symbol of the union of marriage and the beauty of starting a new home together. Used commonly by couples as far back as the 15th century, the Loving Cup is also frequently known as a quaich, which comes from the Celtic word for cup. Although a traditional quaich is generally shaped like a round bowl with two looping handles, over the centuries couples have chosen many different styles to use as the cup that symbolizes their first drink as man and wife.

In Irish culture the loving cup ceremony uses the inherent sweetness and bitterness of the wine the newly joined couple shares from the quaich to illustrate the joys and sorrows of life and home that the new pair are promising to take on together. In some versions of the ceremony the Loving Cup is then passed among the family and friends at the wedding to show that they are also in support of the newlyweds and their upcoming journey of love, life and home. Like many time honored wedding traditions, there are several versions of the words used in the ceremony, and many couples choose to write their own or add personal touches. However, the general structure of the ceremony remains largely unchanged throughout the centuries as the minister pours and blesses the wine, then gives it to the couple and toasts them as they drink to their own good health, long life and a joyful home.

Because the loving cup ceremony is such a powerful symbol of true love and dedication to family and home, the loving cups themselves are commonly handed down over generations as treasured family household heirlooms. This reinforces and deepens the inherent meaning of the cup and gives it even more weight and value with each generation of new loves and new homes. Even if your family does not already observe this Celtic tradition, you can start it in your own home.

Today, Loving Cups are rarely used as a drinking vessel, but rather they are symbol of welcome and friendship. Its two handles signify trust, both on the part of the giver and the receiver.

We hope you feel welcome here at our Lovecup store and we appreicate the opportunity to earn your trust as you add cherished new pieces to your home for many years to come.

Cheers!