Libate

To pour out a liquid, especially wine or another alcoholic beverage, as an offering to a deity or a venerated person, or as part of a religious ceremony or ritual. It is also used more broadly to describe the act of drinking, often in a formal or ceremonial context. The act typically involves a symbolic pouring or sprinkling, expressing reverence, gratitude, or seeking divine favor. The libation serves as a gesture of hospitality or commemoration, connecting the earthly and the spiritual.

Libate meaning with examples

• At the ancient temple, the priest libated the sacred wine, offering it to the god of the harvest, praying for a bountiful yield. The ceremony, rich with tradition, emphasized the importance of spiritual connection to ensure a prosperous harvest and the favour of the deity, marking the beginning of the harvest festival.
• During the funeral ceremony, family members libated a small amount of wine onto the grave, a ritual to honor their ancestors and demonstrate their respect for the departed. This act, laden with sentiment, created a bridge between the living and the deceased and provided solace in their shared grief.
• In celebration of the victory, the team captain libated champagne from the trophy, showering the players in a symbolic show of triumph and unity. Cheers erupted as they shared this celebratory libation, etching the moment in the team's history, a moment of pure joy and success.
• As part of the welcoming feast, the chieftain libated ale to the visiting dignitaries, signifying hospitality and goodwill. It was a shared ritual designed to foster trust and establish a bond between the groups, celebrating the unity formed over the course of the event.