I was just taking a look at one of the food discussion boards, Chowhound.com and saw a great discussion on the international ways to toast each other. I happen to use a few different toasts depending upon the circumstances. I like Kampai (Japanese), Salute (Italian), Nazdrovya (Ruusian), Slainte (Celtic), L'Chaim (Hebrew), and Skoal (Scandinavian). Although I think my favorites are the newest ones I learned not too long ago in Africa, Hey is Jambo (Kenya) and Oogy wawa (Zulu).
There are so many ways that we wish each other well. Many toasts mean "To your Health" and "To Life", then there is "To Luck", some are "To Us", and "To your Loves" and then there are the variations on "Drink up", "Bottom's up", and "Dry your cup." I just find it interesting that while there are so many ways to say cheers, many revolve around the same few sunjects. Here's a international glossary for toasts so you can learn some new ones. Does anyone know any toasts that are a bit more unusual and don't stick to the three or four subject areas outlined above?














