The maiden’s cup, or “Jungfrauenbecher” as it has been known in Germany since the 16th Century, is a ceremonial vessel, usually crafted from metal or porcelain with a smaller cup suspended on a pivot at one end of a larger cup. The larger, lower cup is generally in the form of a maiden’s long skirt (thus the name) with her outstretched arms holding the smaller cup above her head in reverence.
The bridegroom drinks out of the “skirt" and then, without spilling a drop of the wine, he inverts the cup and allows his new wife to drink from the smaller pivoting glass of wine. This arrangement symbolizes their unity in purpose through their marriage.
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Signifying good luck, cooperation and united devotion, the maiden’s cup is also called the wager cup with the bet involving someone having to drink from both glasses without spilling a drop. Early examples of this item can be viewed in museums throughout Germany.
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