jugs

Discovering Cartagena

More Articles By Phillip Bruce www.raxomnium.com

Traditional Jugs Keep Water Cool

Although the universal plastic bottle has almost completely replaced more traditional containers in Cartagena, some people still use the old pottery jars that have been around for centuries.

These practical pots were seen in use at a builder’s material store in the city. The big handle allows the jar to be swung upwards above the head. The water then emerges from the little spout which is held, hygienically, away from the mouth. Catching the stream takes a bit of practice but, of course, older people are experts. The ceramic material allows a degree of evaporation which helps keep the water cool.

The second jug is common in Lorca, south of Cartagena, on what was for centuries the border with Muslim Granada. The jug has five lips that allowed five different people to drink without having to share a common spot. Tradition has it that at weddings the five people who shared the jug, filled with wine, were the bride, groom, bride’s father, groom’s mother and the priest. The jug pictured was made in the 16^th century.

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