Spoon Set
A Christening Gift, a Silver Spoon and a Charmed Life
We all know somebody who was “born with a silver spoon in his mouth.” That lucky friend who inherited money or to whom wealth, health and happiness came without any effort on their part. And, admit it, we are just that tinsy winsy bit jealous.
Well, how did family wealth and easy good fortune become associated with a commonplace eating utensil?
Spoons have been around for thousands of years. Most early spoons were wooden spatulas or even re-worked seashells. The Greeks and Romans did manufacture the occasional spoons of gold, silver and bronze, but the most common materials, as in the later Medieval period, were wood, pewter and bone.
It is probably in the 15th and 16th centuries that the link between fortune and spoons became established. By Tudor times, it was not uncommon for godparents in wealthy society to present their godchildren with a Christening gift of silver Apostle Spoons. A set of twelve spoons, each with an image of one apostle on the handle was a prestigious Christening gift. An alternative was a set of four spoons representing the evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Silver spoons are still given as Christening gifts and Baptism presents today, but Apostle Spoons are less common and more difficult to find.
In the sixteenth century a silver spoon was still pretty rare, so any child receiving such a Christening gift would have to come from a wealthy background. Moreover, if some recent medical research is correct, they were also blessed with a bit of luck. Silver spoons and teethers have been popular for centuries, but it is only in the last few years that the antibiotic properties of silver have been recognized. To put it bluntly, the wealthy Little Lord Fauntleroy teething on a silver Christening spoon had a better chance of survival than a pauper sucking on a lump of pewter. I rather poo-pooed this idea of silver’s miraculous properties until I remembered my granny dropping a silver thrupenny bit into the milk churn to “stop it turning.”
As with so many of our current customs and traditions, the Victorians have had a large influence on Christening gifts. By the mid nineteenth century the Christening gift of a spoon was commonplace amongst the middle and upper classes. Often these were combined with teethers and rattles, so, once again, a well off godchild could be seen with a silver Christening spoon in his mouth.
We cannot be certain of this etymological link between Christening gifts and the phrase “to be born with a silver spoon in his mouth,” but there is obviously something way back in our subconscious that associates spoons with success, or the lack of it.
For example, “The Wooden Spoon” is a symbol of failure. Sports teams that come last in a tournament or league are handed “The Wooden Spoon,” a tradition that goes back many centuries. There is also reference to it in the distant past at Cambridge University where the “Junior Optimes” – the graduates at the bottom of the order of merit – were presented with a wooden spoon. And what did the more successful honor men receive? You’ve guessed it … a gold or silver spoon.
Similarly, there used to be an expression in the Royal Navy describing a young officer who received preferential treatment and accelerated promotion as “born with the silver spoon.”
So, the jury is still out as to the exact origins of the phrase, but the romantic in me would like to believe that it finds its origins in silver Christening gifts.
So the next time you talk about someone “born with a silver spoon in his mouth,” you’re allowed to say it with a touch of jealousy, just a hint of that little green-eyed monster, but also a touch of smugness … at least you may know where the phrase has come from.
About the Author
Richard Hoare is a director of ASSERgerrard Limited, owners of CHRISTENINGsilver.com where you will find the perfect sterling silver Christening Gift and Silver Christening Spoons including silver Christening cups, egg cups, cutlery sets, napkin rings, rattles, jewellery, bibles and, of course, silver spoons.
Jam & Spoon Featuring Rea Garvey-Set Me Free ( Empty Rooms )
|
|
Enamel Chop Sticks/Spoon Set In Presentation Box $34.95 |
|
|
VTG 4pc Rogers Bros 1910 St. Moritz/ Queen Ann Soup Spoons Silver Flatware Set $10.95 |
|
|
Portable Chopsticks Spoon Fork Cutlery Sets Silver Tone $4.43 |
|
|
Vollrath 47078 – Measuring Spoon Set, Stainless, Stamped Capacities, 3 Pieces $123.69 |
|
|
nassau fleur di lis set 21 pieces hotel marborough blenheim spoons knives 1897 $48.99 |
|
|
moselle mosselle set of 2 boullon spoons PAY PAL $58.99 |
|
|
Kitchen Silver Tone Stainless Steel Fork Spoon Cutlery Set $5.37 |
|
|
Pigeon Baby Infant Feeding Spoon Fork Set from Japan $13.99 |
|
|
3 Peice Set AMKO Delta Logo Silverware Spoon Fork Knife $24.99 |
|
|
Vintage Miniature Mini Tea Set 13 piece w Spoons! 2 Candlesticks Ceramic Rose $3.49 |
|
|
Little Suzy’s Zoo BOOF Bear Utensil Set Fork & Spoon $8.99 |
|
|
Smiling Face Fork+Spoon+Opener+Knife Flatware Set $8.99 |
|
|
W1648 Stainless Steel Chopstick Spoon Fork Set Purple $3.16 |
|
|
A Set Of 3 Rabbit Cutlery Set Tableware Spoon Fork Knif $3.87 |
|
|
W1648 Stainless Steel Chopstick Spoon Fork Set Red $3.16 |
|
|
W1648 Stainless Steel Chopstick Spoon Fork Set Silver $3.16 |
|
|
W1648 Stainless Steel Chopstick Spoon Fork Set Black $3.16 |
|
|
GANZ Measuring Spoon Gift Set – Fish * Spoons Set New Ganz EK1713 $19.95 |
|
|
12 antique sterling silver horn faux tortoise shell dessert spoon tea baby set $149.00 |
|
|
Set of 30 CHROME KastMaster Kast Master Type Spoons – 1/2oz, 3/4oz, 1oz $29.95 |
|
|
Retro Spoon Various Color Carved Shell Spoons With Exquisite Engraving Flower $5.58 |
|
|
Set of 5 japanese 950 fine silver Souvenir spoons $95.00 |
|
|
IKEA BABY KID PLATE MUG SPOON DINNERWARE EATING SET (3) $14.78 |
|
|
heart-shaped stainless steel spoons for 4 size set in gift box $0.99 |
|
|
TUPPERWARE 4PC 3 IN 1 CUTLERY FORK SPOON KINFE SET RUBY $7.78 |
|
|
3In1 Protable Stainless Steel Chopsticks Fork Spoon Set $0.99 |
|
|
Vintage Rolex Demitasse Spoons,Set of Four,Silverplated,Bucherer of Switzerland $124.95 |
|
|
PUIFORCAT Rare French Sterling Silver Table Spoons 6 pc Set $1,480.00 |
|
|
Antique Christofle Alfenide Art Deco Table Spoons Set 6 pc Silverplated $98.00 |
|
|
Hello Kitty Hellokitty Cutlery Tableware Chopsticks Fork Set Spoon free shipping $4.65 |
|
|
Travel Outdoor Portable Tableware Set Spoon Fork Chopsticks Free Shipping $4.99 |
|
|
Travel Outdoor Portable Tableware Set Spoon Fork Chopsticks Free Shipping $4.99 |
|
|
Eight Piece 1847 Rogers Bros Serving Spoon Tableware Set XS Triple Silverplate $16.50 |
|
|
Chinese high-quality porcelain China tea set or coffee set 1cup &1dish & 1spoon $65.99 |
|
|
Various Color Retro Spoon Carved Spoons With Lovely Exquisite Crystal $12.99 |
|
|
Wilton 570-1121 Easy Flex 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set, Blue $5.91 Silicone Baking Accessories. Silicone is the Wonder Kitchen Tool: it can be used in the oven (up to 500F/260C), toaster over, microwave, refrigerator and freezer and it is virtually unbreakable. These silicone utensils are the perfect tool cold foods: Jell-O, ice sculptures, Candies and hot foods: cake, muffins, bread, pies, main and side dishes and so much more! The flexibility makes removing foo… |
|
|
Hamilton Beach 33967 Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker $36.00 3 choices for easy – automatic cooking: Probe – Program and ManualThermometer probe for meatClip-on spoonClip-tight gasket lidEasy – automatic cookingFull-grip handlesPower interrupt protection… |
|
|
Bodum Brazil 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker, 34 oz, Black The Brazil French Press coffee maker, designed in the early 80′s, was our first coffee maker and quickly became a symbol of what Bodum stands for. Attractive and functional design at an affordable price The Brazil has an ultra-light, heat-resistant borosilicate glass beaker and a polypropylene handle and base, which make the Brazil easy to use and easy to clean. The 3-part stainless steel plunger … |
|
|
The Lovin’ Spoonful – Greatest Hits $5.24 It sometimes feels as though the Lovin’ Spoonful have been reduced to a footnote in the history of rock & roll. Yet few of their contemporaries could match the likes of “Daydream,” “Summer in the City,” and the transcendent “Do You Believe in Magic?”–a song that can still turn January into June. Legend has it that the Spoonful auditioned for The Monkees, and they’d have been good in those roles, … |
|
|
Looney Tunes: Golden Collection, Vol. 6 $24.36 Sufferin’ Succotash! It’s the final collection of “Looney Tunes” and “Merrie Melodies” in this series, featuring 60 more unforgettable cartoons, some never before released on home video. Bugs, Daffy, and the other “All-Stars” appear in “Hare Trigger,” “Birth of a Notion,” “Dog Gone South,” “Heaven Scent,” and others; the Stars and Stripes are saluted in patriotic favorites such as “Meet John Dough… |
|
|
Ultra Chilled 01 $9.38 You’re having a dinner party. The in-laws are going to be there. So are some of your closest “after-hours” friends. You need music, something mellow but not despicably insipid. Welcome to a double-disc set that will cover all the above bases. Featuring Dido’s “Home with Me (Chillin’ with the Family Mix),” St Germain’s wonderful, downtempo “Sure Thing,” and Royksopp’s jaunty “Eple,” it’s mainstream… |
|
|
SE 6-1 Camping S. Steel Detachable Knife 4 Body $3.95 New camping utensil set. This sturdy tool is made of high quality stainless steel. It includes a sharp knife, fork, spoon, corkscrew and bottle opener. A great tool for weekend camping! The tool even separates, so you can use the knife and fork in different hands. It comes with its own storage bag. Folded length: 4 1/2″ Weight with bag: 5.3 oz… |
|
|
KA-BAR 1300 Hobo Fork/Knife/Spoon Diner Set, With Ballistic Sheath $16.31 ATTRIBUTES Blade Detail: Fork Knife Spoon Blade Material: 420J2 Carry System: Ballistic Nylon Sheath Handle Material: 420J2 Silver… |
|
|
Prince Lionheart Dishwasher Basket Combo $8.00 Includes patented infant basket, toddler basket and spill-proof cup valve cleaner Patented infant basket holds nipples closest to water jets for thorough sanitizing and rinsing Toddler basket is the largest capacity basket available Made specifically for spill-proof cup valves Baskets are top-rack safe… |
|
|
Reflections Heavyweight Looks Like Silver Disposable Flatware for 40 with BONUS Pack of 40 Forks – 160 Pieces in All $11.31 B000JHGQKW… |