A silver spoon for a baby is a fairly well-known gift that is often given specifically for the christening of a child or in honor of the first tooth. Such a spoon is not only a stylish cutlery, but also symbolizes the manifestation of concern for the baby. A similar device is to feed the baby, since silver has antimicrobial properties. Today a wide range of silver spoons is presented. Let us consider in more detail when it is necessary to give such a gift, what are the pros and cons of silver dishes, as well as how to choose the right accessory.
Features of tradition
Today, many adhere to church traditions, especially when it comes to the baby. Today, christening is becoming more popular, and godmothers are actively involved in raising a child. Godparents commit to God to take an active role in raising a child. Of course, this can be translated into reality when the baby grows up. But for a newborn, something different from godparents is quite different: love and care. Usually it’s customary to give a silver spoon from godparents for baptism.
A silver spoon presented for birth or baptism carries several basic functions. She is a symbol of the manifestation of caring for a newborn. And this is not in a figurative sense, but in the literal. Silver has ions that destroy pathogens of both intestinal and viral diseases. Many doctors note that silver is the most useful option of precious metals. In addition, it has been proven that if a baby grows up surrounded by beautiful objects, it will acquire an impeccable taste.
Do not forget that a spoon is usually the first item that a baby needs while feeding. Therefore, it is advised to give a worthy spoon - silver, because the price for it is low. An excellent solution would be a spoon with a curved handle, because it will allow the baby to learn how to properly hold a spoon while eating.
For children, you can buy a spoon made of silver in the event that 1 tooth has appeared. This is a great gift "for a tooth". Typically, such items are made from 925 sterling silver, while the attribute is complemented by Orthodox symbols. This can be an image of a guardian angel, a cross, or a prayer. Do not forget about the name spoons. The models in which the handles are covered with colored enamel are very popular. Engraving in the form of the name of the baby will also give the spoon additional value and uniqueness. She will definitely become a favorite for the baby.
Today it is worth considering a silver spoon on christening or on the first tooth, as a work of art. It can even be made a family heirloom, which in the future will pass from parents to children. Such a relic will allow descendants to remember their roots. It should be noted that silver cutlery has a positive effect on the baby's body. From ancient times, the beneficial properties of this metal have been known. Baptism spoons on the territory of Russia in the 18th century were very popular.
From ancient times, the proverb came to us: "Born with a silver spoon in his mouth." Such an expression could be said about a person who has a friendly, respected and rich family. This belief appeared in the XV century, because it was during that period that the godparents who lived in abundance gave silver spoons. Usually, "apostolic" spoons were provided as a gift. They were so named because the cuttings of the devices were decorated with images of various apostles, carved or engraved.
When do I need to give?
As already mentioned, it is customary to give a silver spoon to a baby at baptism or when the first tooth appears. The purpose of the spoon is quite simple - when a baby has a tooth, during this period he usually already goes on solid food, and you just can’t do without a spoon. Many parents begin to feed their baby with a silver spoon, because everyone knows the fact that silver has excellent antimicrobial properties.
Sometimes such a present can be received on the anniversary of baptism. It is very important to understand that children grow up pretty quickly. If you want your gift to be used, not stored in festive packaging, then you should choose the optimal size and shape. Often this gift can be supplemented with important inscriptions: indicate the weight and height of the baby, as well as the name that he receives at baptism, so as not to forget. Thus, such a spoon will be a great gift for life. It takes on symbolic meaning for everyone.
According to custom, it is the godfather who must give the godson a spoon of silver. But today a brother or sister, family friends can present a beautiful accessory. Very often it is the grandmother who wants to give such a present.
Pros and cons of silver
Since childhood, we get acquainted with various metals, while silver always occupies a special place. This metal is the personification of spiritual purity. It is he who is used to create salaries of icons. You can feed your baby with such a spoon, but not only due to its antibacterial properties. This gift is primarily safe for the baby, as it will not injure the child. It has smooth lines, a smooth surface and rounded edges. It is worth considering both the advantages and disadvantages of such a famous baptismal gift in more detail.
So, a spoon made of silver attracts attention with several advantages.
- Silver dishes have excellent antimicrobial properties. It is silver that allows you to eliminate microbes and bacteria that cause various diseases.In this case, intestinal infections are definitely worth noting. During the Middle Ages, with the help of silver utensils, including spoons, they were protected from polio and cholera, outbreaks of which were quite frequent. And also such a spoon will protect the baby from the possibility of stomatitis.
- Silver cutlery is inexpensive, so not only a family member can present such a gift. Affordable value is an indisputable advantage.
- Silver does not change the taste of food. A silver spoon does not oxidize food. She preserves her natural taste without giving a taste.
- And, of course, it is worth paying attention also to the psychological moment. When the baby grows up, he begins to understand that he was eating from a silver spoon, and not from the usual one. His self-esteem increases, which contributes to further success.
Usually every thing has both pros and cons. But nothing negative can be said about silver spoons. Their opponents are simply trying to dispel the arguments about its merits. They claim that silver has little activity, so its effect is negligible. Today, sanitary standards are much better than they were before, so the possibility of contracting intestinal infections is reduced to zero, respectively, and a silver spoon does not fulfill its original function, so there is no need for its application.
It is also emphasized that now manufacturers cover silver with a special protective layer that minimizes the positive effect of this metal, and sometimes can even harm a baby. As a result, opponents of the purchase of silver spoons show their futility, so they see no reason to overpay, because you can eat with conventional or plastic appliances.
How to choose?
Today, silver spoons for children are represented by a wide range. They may differ in design, price, manufacturer and so on. To pick up an original, attractive spoon made of silver, it is worth paying attention to several nuances.
- Silver cutlery can be divided into souvenir and household. Souvenir spoons are not intended for food, so they can even cause harm to the child if used improperly. If you want to buy a spoon for food, then you must definitely ask for a hygiene certificate. Such a document ensures that the product can be used both for disinfection of water and for feeding the baby.
- Each spoon should have a stamp imprint of the sample. It is he who says that the product is made of precious metal. Only products made from high quality material deserve attention. The silver sample should be at less than 925, which indicates that in one kilogram of the alloy used to produce the spoon, there are 925 grams of silver. If the product is of a lower sample, then such material will darken over time. In addition, a large number of additional alloys reduces the positive effects of silver. Do not save, buy the best.
- It is worth paying attention to the design of the product. A scoop of a spoon will come into contact with the baby's mouth, so it deserves increased attention. The scoop should be done without spraying. So, souvenir spoons are often additionally coated with enamel to extend the safety of their attractive appearance. If the child eats from them, then you should buy a model with a silver-plated scoop, then it will be covered with a thin layer of silver. You can buy only those models for food that have enamel exclusively on the handle of the product. It also happens that varnish is used for decoration, it should also be presented exclusively on the handle.
- The handle of a spoon made of silver is the main decoration of the product. It can be presented in the form of a clock, while it is quite realistic to indicate the exact time of birth of the baby for an additional fee from the engraver. You can add uniqueness to the design using the inscription.Then the name and surname of the baby is indicated on the pen. If the pen is decorated with enamel of different colors, it looks quite unusual and stylish. The child will definitely like the bright pattern of colored enamel. The pen can be decorated with fashionable prints, usually using angels, cars for boys or dolls for girls.
- The arrangement of filigree elements also plays a large role. They can not be near the scoop, because the product must be safe for the child.
- The size of the spoon matters. For kids, it’s better to buy teaspoons. For older children, dessert options are suitable.
- The weight of the product affects the cost of the spoon. Usually its weight varies from 10 to 20 grams. The average length of the product is approximately 12-13 centimeters.
You can get a silver spoon on an individual order. For example, you can stop at a tableware decorated with enamel, engraving or gilding, although there are other decorative elements used to decorate the spoons. Production of the order will last from one to three weeks. Products with a simple design are the cheapest. Usually the price is 2 thousand rubles. If we consider an exquisite model, then its cost will be twice as much.
Important: it is forbidden to buy silver spoons from hands or at points of unauthorized trade, because the products must have a quality certificate.
See the next video for a comparison of VD Jewelery silver spoons.