German Wine Goblets

Group:
Five blue wineglasses with pink stems
Five blue wineglasses with pink stems

The chalice’s faceted edges glimmer in the light, and the semi-transparent glass projects a rainbow into the once dark room. Delicate flower petals that appear as though they were painstakingly chipped out of a fragile ocean spray outward in an intricate design. Ringed with dainty filigree and gossamer edges. The feel of a glassy surface beneath my fingertips as I inspect it, liquid calmly sloshing within, quietly clicking against a countertop. Dishes are a status symbol that people carry with them; these goblets were considered beautiful enough to be ferried across the ocean and cherished as an heirloom. Even though these are priceless pieces of dishware, my mom still lets me drink from them on special occasions. They immigrated from Germany with my ancestors in the 1800s and have watched so many lifetimes of people; they tell a story and hold many memories through their experiences. My family never had much money, especially after they immigrated to the US, but they held onto their right to conserve little bits of opulence in their lives even through their struggles. These glasses are an example of my family's resilience and will to survive.

Place(s): Prussia/Germany

– PM

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more