Meaning: This quote by John Stuart Blackie, a 19th-century Scottish scholar and writer, provides an interesting perspective on the symbolic associations between different beverages and their drinkers. The quote implies a hierarchy of drinks, with wine being associated with the divine, milk with innocence and nurturing, tea with femininity, and water with a more basic or animalistic existence. Let's explore the implications of each association in turn.

First, wine as the "drink of the gods" has deep historical and cultural significance. Throughout history, wine has been associated with religious rituals, celebrations, and divine offerings. In many ancient cultures, such as those of the Greeks and Romans, wine was offered to the gods as a libation and was seen as a way to commune with the divine. The quote captures the idea that wine is a drink that elevates and transcends the mundane, connecting the drinker to a higher realm.

Next, the association of milk as the "drink of babes" speaks to its nurturing and nourishing qualities. Milk is the first sustenance that mammals receive, providing essential nutrients for growth and development. In many cultures, milk is also associated with purity and innocence, as it is the primary source of sustenance for infants. This association with infancy and purity is reflected in the quote's characterization of milk as the drink of babes.

The quote then characterizes tea as the "drink of women," highlighting the historical and cultural associations between tea and femininity. Throughout history, tea has been intricately linked with social rituals and domestic life, particularly in cultures such as China and Japan. In Western societies, tea has been associated with notions of civility, refinement, and domesticity, often being served in social gatherings and as a means of hospitality. The quote's association of tea with women reflects the historical role of women as the primary cultivators and consumers of tea in many societies.

Finally, the quote characterizes water as the "drink of beasts," drawing a stark contrast between the divine, nurturing, and refined qualities associated with the other beverages and the more basic, elemental nature of water. This association may reflect historical attitudes toward water as a utilitarian, essential substance, necessary for survival but lacking the cultural and symbolic richness of wine, milk, or tea.

In analyzing this quote, it's important to consider the historical context in which it was written. Blackie's statement reflects the attitudes and perceptions of his time, which were shaped by the cultural and social norms of the 19th century. The quote also reflects the gendered associations of beverages, with wine, milk, and tea being linked to specific gender roles and expectations.

It's important to note that these associations are not fixed or universal. The symbolic meanings of beverages can vary widely across different cultures and time periods. Additionally, contemporary perspectives on beverages have evolved, challenging traditional gendered associations and expanding the symbolic meanings of different drinks.

In conclusion, John Stuart Blackie's quote provides a thought-provoking exploration of the symbolic associations between beverages and their drinkers. Through its characterization of wine, milk, tea, and water, the quote offers insight into historical attitudes toward these drinks and the cultural and gendered associations they carried. While the quote reflects the attitudes of its time, it also prompts us to consider how the symbolic meanings of beverages continue to evolve in contemporary society.