Alcohol has had a long history around the world. Throughout the years, numerous varieties of alcohol have appeared, brewed not only for enjoyment, but also for religious ceremonies. Different types of alcohol have varied depending on available resources, technology and culture.
Beer and wine played important roles in religious ceremonies. Polytheistic religions glorified beer and wine in their rituals, offering the precious beverage to the gods. Ancient Egyptians worshiped Osiris, whom they attributed with the invention of beer. The dead were often buried with wine, so it could be used in the afterlife. Beer was considered a necessity and was brewed daily. Alcohol had a variety of purposes: religious, medicinal, recreational and nutritional.
America experienced the dramatic effects of alcohol consumption. Conservatives viewed alcohol as an evil, behavior-altering drug. By the late 19th century, the Anti-Saloon League attempted to limit alcohol consumption on a moral and industrial basis. Not only was drunkenness unacceptable, any and all consumption of alcohol was considered immoral and counterproductive. Charles L. Bane, an officer of the Anti-Saloon League, placed religious significance on not drinking alcohol: "Temperance and Evangelism [are the] marching orders of our God-fearing, liberty-loving republic." American capitalists saw Prohibition as the key to a stable working class. Robert A. Woods emphasized the social benefits of Prohibition: "The liquor business has been in many ways like a kind of sabotage to ... the bearings that have to do with making organized labor strong, resourceful and responsible. National Prohibition is going to reinforce all that is good in it as a force for a more equitable social order." From 1920 to 1933, Prohibition was instituted and enforced by the U. S. government.
Beer and wine played important roles in religious ceremonies. Polytheistic religions glorified beer and wine in their rituals, offering the precious beverage to the gods. Ancient Egyptians worshiped Osiris, whom they attributed with the invention of beer. The dead were often buried with wine, so it could be used in the afterlife. Beer was considered a necessity and was brewed daily. Alcohol had a variety of purposes: religious, medicinal, recreational and nutritional.
America experienced the dramatic effects of alcohol consumption. Conservatives viewed alcohol as an evil, behavior-altering drug. By the late 19th century, the Anti-Saloon League attempted to limit alcohol consumption on a moral and industrial basis. Not only was drunkenness unacceptable, any and all consumption of alcohol was considered immoral and counterproductive. Charles L. Bane, an officer of the Anti-Saloon League, placed religious significance on not drinking alcohol: "Temperance and Evangelism [are the] marching orders of our God-fearing, liberty-loving republic." American capitalists saw Prohibition as the key to a stable working class. Robert A. Woods emphasized the social benefits of Prohibition: "The liquor business has been in many ways like a kind of sabotage to ... the bearings that have to do with making organized labor strong, resourceful and responsible. National Prohibition is going to reinforce all that is good in it as a force for a more equitable social order." From 1920 to 1933, Prohibition was instituted and enforced by the U. S. government.
Post a Comment