Beer is said to have been one of the provisions permitted on Noah’s Ark, and thus beer mugs probably did not lag too far behind. Beer enjoys a century old tradition, and writings, depictions, and archaeological finds ensure us that this beverage has been brewed as long ago and far away as in China some 5,000 years ago.  Whether as a beverage for human consumption, or a sacrificial offering to a deity or as part of a ritual burial tradition, beer and civilization have long since been intertwined.  It is no wonder then that beer mugs as well became more than just indiscriminate containers which allowed for the storage and consumption of the beverage.

Germans, internationally renowned to be the current authorities on brewing, storing, and consuming beer, have a tradition filled history with respect to beer mugs.  Sometimes also referred to as “beer steins,” historical German beer mugs were sometimes crafted from pewter, wood, ceramics, or even crystal!  A few precious specimens still surviving today are made from rare ivory, and it is obvious that they were crafted at the behest of the exceptional wealthy. Decorations were as varied and individual as the German who enjoyed a cold drink from them:  some displayed the profession of the drinker, while others may have shown scenes or local or national importance.  Some collections have to be purchased as a whole set, as only the ownership of the entire set ensures that the owner will benefit from the intent of their creation:  their telling a story of an event, or perhaps even a notable work of fiction, such as Goethe’s “Faust,” which has received accolades in the form of many depictions of the characters and even the storyline.es.

These days traditional beer mugs are still used for special occasions or to ad solemnity to a rite.  Yet, more and more non-beer drinkers have discovered beer mugs as collectors, and even manufacturers.  Granted, America is somewhat hesitant to use beer mugs as advertisement, although some of the major beer manufacturers offer collectors edition of specially produced mugs, yet Europe’s manufacturers do not appear to have the same qualms.  Ads on beer mugs are nothing new, and are definitely part of a marketing firm’s budget. Of course, beer mugs are not the only vessels for advertisement or decorations, and these days we see a host of soft drink glasses, shot glasses, medicinal shot glasses, and other drink containers that contain ads or specialized decorations.  While the younger set has not need for beer mugs, many a parent will remember the advertising campaign that enticed young children everywhere to request a certain brand of jelly for the most staple of American childhood foods: the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Ornamented with cartoon characters, these glass containers promised collection ability to children, which went a long ways to persuading mom or dad to buy the requested brand -- even if they ended up eating the jelly themselves.  Take a look at your cupboard, I bet you will find at least a few promotional glasses or mugs