Many citizens of the USSR, who are not indifferent to alcohol, called any drink without an obvious reason "Day of the faceted glass" - it was a common expression. It is interesting that such a holiday really was and is on the calendar. And this is no coincidence: a faceted glass was the most important attribute of the Soviet era.
The legend of the invention of the faceted glass in Russia
Glassblower Efim Smolin lived on the territory of the present Vladimir region during the reign of Peter I. Once he (so the widespread legend says) presented his creation to the emperor - a hand-made faceted glass. The glassblower told Peter that this cut bowl could not be broken. After drinking from this glass of wine, the emperor threw it on the floor, and it shattered into fragments.
But in the end, Peter still liked the idea of Efim Smolin, and he gave him an order to create cut glassware for the Russian fleet. And it was a really smart decision - after all, faceted glasses, unlike round ones, did not roll off the tables when the sea was rolling.
When is the Day of the faceted glass
Day of the faceted glass is officially celebrated today on 11 September. Why did you choose this date? The thing is that the first faceted glass of the Soviet model was produced at the legendary glass factory located in Gus-Khrustalny on September 11, 1943. And most likely the sculptor Vera Mukhina worked on its design (she is best known as the author of the Worker and Kolkhoz Woman monument).
It should be noted that Soviet faceted glasses differed from earlier samples primarily in the way they were made. In the USSR, they were made by pressing. Their other characteristic feature is a smooth, without protrusions, ring in the upper part. This constructive solution increased the strength of the glass - it could well remain intact if dropped onto a hard concrete surface from a low height.
Faceted glasses in the USSR and now
Soviet faceted glasses were perfect for washing in the then dishwashers. This led to their widespread use - they were used in canteens, cafes, restaurants, in vending machines with gas water, etc.
As for the number of faces, the most common variant in the Union had 16 faces. Although other options were produced - with 12, 14, 18 and even with 20 faces.
It is interesting that largely due to the faceted glass in the USSR, the tradition of "thinking for three" arose. In Khrushchev's times (more specifically, in 1958), the authorities introduced a ban on the sale of strong alcohol on tap. But the drinking citizens found a way out. It has been observed that 500 milliliters of liquid fits perfectly into three faceted glasses, if poured strictly to the rim. That is, a person who wanted to drink a little needed to find two like-minded people ready to chip in for the cheapest half-liter bottle of vodka. This bottle was drunk in the fresh air, in the nearest gateway, and a faceted glass in such a situation was very helpful.
By the way, Russian Railways trains still offer passengers tea in faceted glasses with a cup holder. This means that his story continues.
And, perhaps, one can only be glad that there is a holiday in the calendar dedicated to this subject, which has so deeply entered the people's life and culture.
