What is the silver spoon for? Why a child is given a silver spoon for the first tooth: a traditional custom and modern gifts

Surely many have heard about the tradition of giving a silver spoon for the first tooth, but few people think about its essence. In recent years, when, thanks to the development of digital technologies and the Internet, information has become publicly available, various signs and superstitions that our grandmothers and even mothers unconditionally followed are subjected to merciless criticism and debunking. So, most young parents calmly show their babies to relatives and friends in the first days of life, actively take pictures of children, cut their hair without waiting for the first anniversary and do many other things, without looking back at the old, sometimes irrational prohibitions. Silver spoons, as a gift for newborns, are also consigned to oblivion. Many parents prefer to "order" and make more rational gifts, considering the tradition outdated, and the spoon itself as a meaningless whim. And, by the way, in vain. Let's try to figure out in detail - why does a child need a silver spoon.

Why give a silver spoon?

Silver products are not only beautiful, but also undeniably useful. So, modern science has the facts that silver ions are capable of destroying about 650 types of all kinds of microorganisms, including pathogens that cause intestinal and other diseases. The disinfecting properties of silver are 5 times higher than those of lime and chlorine. In addition, it is able to quickly neutralize and remove toxins from the body.

In folk medicine, the so-called "silver water" is widely used, which is obtained as a result of "charging" the liquid with noble metal ions. It is used to prevent various acute respiratory infections, influenza, strengthens overall immunity and improves metabolism.

Thus, the answer to the question of why they give a silver spoon has a practical explanation. This gift is usually timed to coincide with the appearance of the first tooth, after which, as a rule, the first complementary foods are introduced. Giving the first food from a silver spoon is safe, it not only ionizes food, but also kills bacteria in the mouth and on the baby's teeth. So the child, who previously ate only mother's milk and is now at risk of getting an infection with new food, has an additional "means of protection".

A bit of history

It is believed that the custom of giving a child a silver spoon has its roots in biblical stories. Among the gifts brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus were items made of gold. But, since, since ancient times, silver was in great use and honor in Rus', a newborn was given a silver jewelry or a coin as a symbol of a rich and happy life. The tradition was continued - on the first day of school, the gymnasium was given a teaspoon on the day the study began and a dining room on the day of graduation. A spoon is a symbol of growing up, gaining independence.

Who should give the silver spoon?

If everything is relatively clear with the practical purpose and symbolism of such a gift, then there are different points of view about who and when give a silver spoon. One of them, as mentioned above, supports the custom of giving a spoon on the first tooth. The honorable mission to make a gift is assigned to the one who discovers the tooth first.

There is also an opinion that godparents should give a silver spoon for christening. A very rational approach, since, on the one hand, it saves parents from considerable expenses, and on the other hand, it solves the problem of a gift for godparents. Toys can break, clothes will inevitably become small, and a spoon will become a memorable and useful gift. In order to make the gift more original, you can make a dedicatory engraving on a silver spoon, a kind of “message to the future”.

However, if for some reason your baby was never given a spoon, try to get it yourself. Think about it - you spend impressive amounts every month on disposable diapers and toys that are, in fact, more interesting to you than to the child, so it might be worth buying a really useful thing for your baby.

On average, milk incisors appear at the age of 6 to 8 months, but earlier and later teething are not uncommon.

There are signs according to which an early appearance promises an early addition to the family, the awakening of a particularly bright talent in a baby. However, the latter fact, on the contrary, is sometimes associated with the late appearance of teeth.

Who and what gives, how to make a gift exclusive

The most popular tradition is the gift of a silver spoon. It is difficult to meet a person who does not know that it is customary to give a silver spoon for the eruption of the first tooth, which will become a talisman, bring good luck and prosperity in life.

At the same time, it is believed that if you knock on a new cutter with precious metal, all subsequent ones will be strong, beautiful, and their owner will be strong, rich and healthy.

Take note: Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in our country. Godparents are important people in a child's life, because they are entrusted with the mission of spiritual education of the godson. It is from the godparents that they most often expect a gift in the form of a silver spoon. However, according to another version, the one who first discovered the appearance of the first tooth gives - parents, grandparents.

If there is a desire and time, the gift can be made individual. To do this, you need to contact the jeweler and knock out the inscription on the cutlery. Engraving can be impersonal, containing a generalized wish, or personalized, when the name of the child is forever carved in metal and remains in memory for a lifetime.

Basic rules for choosing a silver spoon

When buying a silver item, it is important to consider a few points:

1. Focus on the comfort of the baby when he holds the spoon in the handle. This means that the device must have a sufficiently long holder (handle) and a scoop of medium width and depth (the part into which food is collected);
2. Cutlery must be safe, not have sharp corners, so as not to injure the child. It is impossible that a tiny finger could be inserted into monograms and patterns, if any;
3. Be sure to check the quality of the alloy from which the product is made. It is better to make a purchase in a specialized store, as they will be able to provide certificates of conformity and sample confirmation.

The price range of silver spoons depends on the percentage of precious metal and impurities.. From here:

• the higher the sample (higher content of the precious metal), the less the product will blacken, and the price will be higher. In this case, the spoon is more susceptible to mechanical stress - it bends faster, it may even break. For the manufacture of silverware, the most common 925 test, which has high mechanical properties;
• you should not buy dishes coated with varnish, enamel or containing a large amount of impurities.

Thus, giving a silver spoon for the first milk tooth that has appeared is another pleasant tradition associated with the appearance and development of a baby in the family.

See video about the tradition of giving a silver spoon for the baby's first tooth:

It has long been customary to give a baby a silver spoon for the first erupted tooth. According to tradition, it was tapped on a tooth so that the child would grow up healthy and successful, and the rest of the teeth would erupt painlessly. The one who first noticed the baby's tooth fell out to buy a spoon. Later, godparents began to give a silver spoon for the christening of a child, as a valuable souvenir. Today, this tradition has been preserved in both versions.

Why give a silver spoon for the first tooth or Baptism In the times of Ancient Rus', only godparents who were entrusted with the spiritual upbringing of the baby could present a spoon made of silver. After Baptism, she was placed in the baby's crib as a talisman against the evil eye, a conspiracy. They also believed that the precious metal would bring good luck, wealth and prosperity to the baby. And although today it is considered superstition and has nothing to do with Baptism, many still believe in omens. Godparents even today give a silver spoon to their godchildren, because it can become not just a valuable souvenir, passed down from generation to generation, like a family heirloom, but also a necessary item in everyday life.

Who gives a silver spoon for the first tooth to a baby

Today, a silver spoon can be given not only by godparents, but also by grandparents, relatives and close friends of the family invited to christening. Such a gift, unlike toys and clothes, is practical, durable, and serves as a pleasant reminder of a bright event. In addition, a silver spoon can be personalized or engraved with a prayer / wish.

Most often, a silver spoon is kept as a keepsake, along with other family heirlooms, so it’s better to give a product with Orthodox symbols for christening, and a model with color drawings, a name, engraved with the child’s metrics (height, weight and time of birth) or with the inscription "On the first tooth."

The assortment in our store is quite diverse. You can buy a small in size and weight, purely souvenir product. Such models are usually no more than 10 cm long and about 5 g in weight. The spoon is kept as a symbol of the godson's spiritual connection with the recipient or as a reminder of the Sacrament (if donated by someone else).

A silver coffee spoon will be useful to a newborn as the first cutlery - from it the mother will be able to start feeding the baby. The size of such spoons is 11-13 cm, the average weight is 15 g. A teaspoon is a spoon from which a grown baby can eat on his own. These products are 13-15 cm in size and weigh 25-30 g. Such a spoon fits comfortably in the child's hand and allows you to collect the right amount of food at a time. Having decided on the size, you need to pay attention to the quality of workmanship. Children's silver spoons should be well polished, without sharp edges and high protruding decorative details. The best option for comfortable use is a model with a wide flat handle.

Well, if the silver spoon will have a certificate of conformity. And although in Russia the mandatory certification of jewelry has been abolished, and their quality is confirmed by the presence of a hallmark with a hallmark, a seal and the name of the manufacturer, large manufacturers of silverware certify children's spoons.

Silver spoon for girls

A girl can buy a product with openwork weaves, flowers, butterflies, bows, angels as a gift. These can be spoons only made of silver or additionally decorated with gilding, colored enamel, stones. Orthodox silver spoons for girls are produced with various shapes of crosses, a vine, a Guardian Angel, the image of the Virgin.

Boy's silver spoon

For boys, as a gift, you can choose models with the image of bears, stars, angels, stars. Spoons with crosses, images of Saints, floral ornaments, church bells and chapels are suitable for christening. As for girls, discreet, pure silver models are produced and brighter in design - with colored, black enamel, stones.

Benefits of silver spoons for newborns

It is believed that the spoon for the first feeding of the baby should be made of silver. This is due to the bactericidal properties of the metal - on its surface, most microbes and pathogenic strains that cause intestinal disorders die. Silver disinfects water 5 times more effectively than chlorine and lime. It is especially useful to drink such water during colds, since silver ions, entering the body, neutralize and remove toxins, improve metabolism, thereby strengthening the immune system.

It is safe to feed a child from a silver spoon - the metal not only saturates the food with useful ions, but also destroys bacteria in the baby's mouth.

Proper care of your silver spoon

When using a children's silver spoon in everyday life, a dark coating forms on its surface over time. It is removed with a special solution or napkins, which are sold in jewelry stores. But frequent use of a cleaning agent can damage the top protective layer of varnish, so it’s better to simply rub the product with a cloth and protect it from scratches, the aggressive effects of drugs, juices. Silverware should not be washed with abrasive particles or cleaned in a dishwasher. Ordinary alcohol brightens silver well, while it does not spoil the decor of the spoon in the form of gilding or enamel, and does not affect specially blackened silver. It is not necessary to soak the product in it for a long time, it is enough to wipe the darkened area with a cotton pad dipped in alcohol.

No need to store a silver spoon with stainless cutlery. Steel is harder than silver, therefore it provokes the appearance of scratches and scuffs on the product. Silver devices are recommended to be kept in a special box on a soft lining, having previously washed and dried them thoroughly.

When most people think of spoons, they probably think of common cutlery used for eating or stirring tea or coffee. But for more than 200 years, silver spoons have been the pride of many collectors and a wonderful gift for any occasion. The peak of popularity of the silver spoon began in Europe, then moved to the United States, and now collectors around the world are looking for rare silver souvenir spoons to get a unique piece in their collection. Collecting silver spoons is a captivating and charming hobby, but even those who are far from collecting can't help but marvel at the unique pieces of silver crafted by virtuoso jewelers.

Types of silver spoons

In the modern world, spoons are made from various materials, but only silver products are valued above all. There are several types of spoons that are recommended to have in every home:

• Teaspoon (5 ml.) - designed for tea ceremonies, including some types of desserts.
• Dessert spoon (10 ml.) - designed for sweet dishes served in special dishes - bowls.
• Coffee spoon (2.45 ml.) - a small device that is convenient to stir coffee in small cups.
• Tablespoon (18 ml.) - a device for first courses, as well as some types of cereals served in deep plates.
• Bouillon spoon - designed specifically for broth, as well as other first courses. Available in both elongated and rounded shapes.
• A spice spoon (approx. 7 cm) is a great table accessory for a festive feast. Spoon-spetsovnitsa convenient to scoop up various seasonings.

Regardless of the type, each silver spoon is unique in its own way. She is a real work of art created by professional jewelers. Giving a silver spoon is a great decision. Such a gift is relevant to everyone, regardless of gender and social status. In addition, thanks to the silver spoon, the taste and aroma of all dishes are significantly improved.

When is it appropriate to give a silver spoon?

To the question “When is it appropriate to give silver spoons?” There is one simple and correct answer - always. A silver spoon is one of those gifts that are welcomed regardless of the importance of the celebration. Newborns and toddlers are given a spoon "for the first" tooth, older children and adults for happiness, health and good luck. Such an elegant thing is always a joy for a long memory.

Do not think that a silver spoon is a gift for children, which is customary to give only in the countries of the former USSR. Even on other continents there is a tradition that is rooted in the distant past. The properties of silver have been known for a long time. First, this noble metal cleanses everything it comes into contact with. Secondly, we must not forget about its value. That is why you should not be surprised why a child is given a silver spoon. By this, the donor shows that he wishes the baby good health (purification) and well-being (the value of the metal itself).

Important event />

Of course, the most important event in the life of a family is the very fact of the birth of a baby. But with what impatience mom and dad are waiting for the baby to start holding his head, the first - another reason to be happy for the baby. It is in honor of such a significant event that both the parents and the newborn are given a silver spoon “for the first tooth”. By the way, about who should give a silver spoon. Usually this gift is presented by grandparents. But if the sacrament of baptism is planned at a time when the teeth are still beginning to erupt, then godparents can give a silver spoon for christening.
It is believed that it is from this spoon that you should first feed the baby with adult food (soup or porridge), after lightly tapping it on the tooth. If you are worried about whether you can eat with a silver spoon, then in vain. Silver ions disinfect food, so in the past, wealthy people tried to eat with just such cutlery. And silver coins were often thrown into jugs of water to purify it. Pectoral crosses are also made mainly from this metal, believing that it purifies not only the body, but also the spirit.

Thus, a silver spoon is not just a cutlery, but a real talisman that will protect the baby both physiologically and energetically. Silver ions will provide food without germs and disease-causing bacteria, and the nobility of this metal will create an invisible shield from evil forces.

Choosing a Silver Spoon

If you have to baptize a child or give him a silver spoon, congratulating him on the appearance of the first tooth, then before buying, you should familiarize yourself with some of the nuances of the choice. First, do not rush to buy the first spoon you like. Be sure to take it in your hands to assess the weight, to check whether it will be convenient for the baby to hold it in a small hand. It is advisable to choose devices whose handle is equipped with rounded teeth at the edges. This will allow the baby to hold it more firmly in his hand. Please note that there are no sharp edges or nicks on the product that could cause injury to a child. Secondly, make sure the quality of this product. We are talking about the fact that instead of expensive silver, they can slip you a craft made of an incomprehensible alloy. That is why you should not buy a gift in underground passages, in spontaneous markets. It is better to trust specialized stores that value their reputation. In addition, here you will be able to provide documents confirming the quality of the goods and its safety.

When a baby is given a silver spoon, they say the wishes of health, well-being, goodness. But the baby can only understand the emotions that will accompany wishes. Do you want to immortalize them? Fine engraving on a silver spoon is a great solution.

And finally, I would like to remind you that the value of a spoon is not only in the cost of the metal, but in the energy with which the gift is charged. If you do not understand why a child is given a silver spoon, considering it a trifle or waste, it is better to refrain from buying. Give your child something that you think will really bring him joy.