The appearance of a baby's first baby tooth is an important event for the whole family, because it means that a new stage of his development begins. All parents dream that their child’s life will be happy, harmonious, successful and prosperous; for this, a number of traditions have been followed since ancient times. One of the most beautiful and popular customs today is presenting a silver spoon to a baby “for his first tooth.” Where did such a tradition come from, who can give a child such a precious surprise, and how to choose the right spoon - all this is worth talking about in detail.
Why are silver spoons given as gifts for the first tooth?
The baby’s body develops from the first minutes of birth and by the 4-7th month of birth the first tooth appears. Typically these are the lower central incisors. Some people get teeth at three months, others at one year. It is during this time period that the baby is given a silver spoon for his tooth. Why does this precious metal item deserve special attention?
There are many objective and subjective reasons for this: from purely everyday to magical.
The stage of baby development associated with the eruption of the first teeth coincides with the beginning of feeding the baby. In addition to mother's milk, the baby receives the necessary beneficial compounds from special mixtures, cereals, etc. Therefore, the baby simply cannot do without a small individual spoon.
On the other hand, it is believed that silver acts as a metal that repels all kinds of evil spirits and evil forces, and protects the owner from damage and the evil eye. Therefore, a silver spoon in this case is a kind of talisman-amulet that protects the child from negative energy.
Silver baby spoon with puppy
The stage of baby development associated with the eruption of the first teeth coincides with the beginning of feeding the baby. In addition to mother's milk, the baby receives the necessary beneficial compounds from special mixtures, cereals, etc. Therefore, the baby simply cannot do without a small individual spoon.
On the other hand, it is believed that silver acts as a metal that repels all kinds of evil spirits and evil forces, and protects the owner from damage and the evil eye. Therefore, a silver spoon in this case is a kind of talisman-amulet that protects the child from negative energy.
The disinfecting properties of silver are also known. It is not without reason that objects made of high-grade silver are used to purify water. It is believed that ions of the silvery-white metal neutralize pathogenic microflora.
Therefore, a silver spoon given at this moment in life will come in handy.
Quality is in the details
When choosing a spoon, you cannot rely only on its appearance. The most beautiful, carved and figured, can cause injury to the baby, injure the tender gums, because even if the mother feeds with a spoon at first, sooner or later he will independently pull it into his mouth.
Regarding the size, it is best to focus on a teaspoon that is familiar to everyone in daily use. The coffee room will be too small, and the dining room or dessert room will be large and inconvenient to use. After all, you want the gift to be used, and not just stored because it is not needed.
Before purchasing a device, you must ensure the quality of the silver. After all, you can hurry and buy just beautiful souvenir products with coating, and not a spoon for feeding a small child. It is best if it has a 925 standard, which indicates that the alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and only 7.5% copper and other impurities.
If there is less of the underlying substance, then the silver spoon for the first tooth will very quickly tarnish and darken, and if there is more, then over time it will become deformed and bend. We must not forget that most of these products have a quality certificate, and if the seller has nothing to hide, he will present it for review without any questions.
Remember that even high-quality products should not only be beautiful, but first of all, convenient and safe for daily use. It should not have sharp corners, coating, and should not be decorated with pebbles and other details that a child, holding it in his hands, can simply chew off and swallow.
Who should give the spoon?
In modern impulsive and active life, strict adherence to all the rules for performing a particular ritual is often neglected. This is partly due to ignorance and lack of necessary knowledge, partly - deliberately, since this or that event is not given the appropriate significance.
Therefore, if we talk about the gift of a spoon for the first tooth, any relative can give it, including parents, godparents, friends or colleagues. It often happens that different people present the baby with several silver spoons at once. There is nothing reprehensible in this, the main thing is that the gifts are made sincerely, from the heart, with love and care for the little man.
If you strictly follow the canons and traditions, the godparents (mother or father) should present the spoon for the first tooth.
Video on the topic
Thus, a spoon for the first tooth is given to the baby for happiness, good luck and health. It is believed that if you tap such a product on an emerging tooth, further eruption will be quick and painless.
It is also customary to give a silver spoon for discharge from the hospital, christening, or birthday. There are many reasons for such a present. It is important to buy high-quality products that are safe for children. To do this, you should contact trusted stores and know the criteria for choosing such a product.
What are the traditions and signs associated with gifts?
A silver spoon can be given not only at the time of the appearance of the first tooth, but also at the birth or baptism of a baby.
According to existing traditions, parents themselves can make a gift for the birth of a baby. Moreover, this is identified not only with the good health of the little man, but also with his future well-being and prosperity. The saying “I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth” has survived. The child was born into a family with good income, since in past times silver was a sign of financial stability and prosperity. Family silver was the lot of fairly rich, wealthy people.
After the baby was baptized, the godparents presented him with a silver spoon. This ritual was identified with the future happy and successful life of the ward. A baptized baby fell under “God’s wing,” which protected him from all kinds of sins and temptations, and the gift of a spoon further strengthened his protection from negative energy.
Baptism set with spoon for a boy
Baptism set with spoon for girls
And for the “first tooth” in the modern version of existing traditions, everyone can give a valuable gift: parents, relatives, godparents, friends.
Regardless of what stage of life a child receives a gift, it is important to present it, sincerely wishing the child health, success, well-being, and prosperity.
If the spoon is placed on the first tooth, you need to knock on it with the spoon several times. There is a belief that in this case the teeth will be strong and healthy.
We must not forget that the spoon should be kept by the owner throughout his life. It does not have to be used for its intended purpose, since the item is a personal talisman-amulet.
Debunking traditions
Modern parents more often consult the Internet, look for the necessary information on various specialized thematic forums and chats, and only sometimes listen to the advice of their mothers and grandmothers, believing that their concepts and traditions are outdated and no longer relevant.
But in vain. After all, as long-term practice shows, all these rules, developed over centuries, were collected from a person’s own experience in each individual situation, and then, over the years, they were checked, supplemented and improved. For example, a silver spoon for the first tooth is not at all a meaningless whim, as many modern mothers believe, but a rather useful and sometimes simply necessary acquisition for the baby. Of course, is it true that if you tap it on the first tooth to grow three times and read a certain spell, all the rest will grow up healthy and strong, we will neither affirm nor deny, whether to believe in it or not - everyone decides for himself. However, we will still try to figure out why a silver spoon is purchased for the first tooth, and whether it is of any benefit to the baby.
| Since ancient times, it was customary for a baby to knock on the first tooth that has erupted with a silver spoon, so that the baby grows healthy, happy, rich, and the rest of the teeth grow painlessly. This custom gave rise to the tradition of giving a child a silver spoon “for a tooth.” In Europe, it is customary to give a box for storing the first tooth as a gift; usually it is paired with a case for the first cut curl. Such boxes can be porcelain, silver or simply made of a shiny alloy, often engraved with the child's name. |
How to choose a spoon depending on the gender of the child
Jewelry retail chains and private workshops offer a wide range of silver spoons of different sizes and designs. You just need to choose a product to your liking. However, an individual gift looks more interesting and significant. Children's silver spoons and personalized engraving, patterns or symbols will not only decorate the gift, but will also transform it into an address one.
You can individually design a product intended for a boy or a girl. For future men, this is a strict pattern with the image of a bear, a car, and other things, and for the baby, the future lady, preference is given to ornate monograms, floral patterns, butterflies, and dolls. Some design the engraving in the form of a portrait of a baby.
It is important to note that if the child is baptized, it is desirable to have Christian attributes on the product (cross, face of Jesus, angel). The main thing is that the small spoon is not overloaded with an abundance of patterns, symbols, etc. Conciseness should be observed.
Where can I buy a silver spoon?
As a rule, the issue of acquisition is not urgent now. There are many jewelry stores where you can buy this. Of course, you should carefully consider the product in order to please the parents of the newborn when giving it. Baptism does not accept frivolity in the image, even on such an everyday object as a spoon, but at the same time it does not particularly control this issue - after all, the main goal of Baptism is not who gave what, but the introduction of a new person to the Lord.
Therefore, it is quite possible to buy a spoon in a jewelry store, in shops at churches and monasteries, or even order it to order from a jeweler.
In a busy modern life, an excellent option would be to purchase a spoon in an online store from a trusted seller. The Orthodox store PravLife is perfect for this goal.
You can choose a beautiful silver spoon that will please both parents and children. We have so many options that it's dizzying. We guarantee quality and availability of certificates for all products. In addition to the spoon, you can choose any necessary Christian item, and we promise that we will deliver it to any point in Moscow and Russia without delay. Pay attention to our prices - they are very affordable!
The benefits of silver for a baby
In addition to the ritual purpose of a valuable item, this is the first personal cutlery that serves its intended purpose. The spoon should not contain sharp edges or protrusions, and should be small in size so that it is convenient for the baby to use without injury. Subsequently, he will eat on his own, and a comfortable spoon will become an indispensable assistant during meals.
As mentioned earlier, silver is a metal with high bactericidal properties. Therefore, using this item, the mother maintains the baby’s health.
Where can I buy? Recommendations for selection
Very often, for those who give a silver spoon for the first tooth, thanks to the huge and varied assortment, the problem of choice arises, especially for those who have not yet become parents and do not know about the basic needs of a newborn and the characteristics of its development and behavior. In order for the purchase to be successful and not become covered with dust in the closet, you should remember a few basic rules, the observance of which will ensure a positive result.
- The product must be absolutely safe, without sharp edges or small parts.
- The size of the spoon should be comfortable for the baby.
- High quality silver is mandatory, because we are talking about the most important thing - the health of the child.
Today, purchasing children's silver spoons is not difficult. Except that the range may be too wide. There is quite a wide variety of such goods in jewelry stores and ordinary china shops. The most beautiful options are offered for children:
- small;
- with or without decorations;
- with engraving (usually made to order);
- with additional inserts or stones;
- multi-colored;
- with cartoon characters.
You can also find them on the Internet or ask a craftsman to make a personalized spoon with some special inscription, zodiac sign, wish, etc. In any case, follow the basic recommendations when purchasing:
- The spoon size should be small. A tea or dessert bowl is suitable so that the child can easily hold it in his hands and eat it comfortably.
- A textured surface will be more practical, since smooth objects tend to slip out.
- Pay attention to the design. Not only grace and beauty play a role here, but also safety. Any sharp or protruding edges are undesirable, as the baby will get hurt on them.
- It is important to choose silver items for children only with a purity of at least 925, as this indicates the quality of the metal. A spoon with a questionable alloy can be harmful to health.
- Various precious coatings in the form of gold, inlay, and varnish are permissible only if the item will stand on a shelf and perform a decorative function.
- Be sure to ask sellers for a quality certificate stating that the metal used is safe when used for its intended purpose.
Storage and proper care of a children's silver spoon
Caring for a baby spoon is no different from caring for items made of silver and cupronickel. To keep a valuable gift in good condition, you must:
- Wash the product in warm, soft water, without using abrasives or steel wool.
- When silver darkens (oxide forms on its surface), it is recommended to periodically wipe the spoon with a soft cloth with a few drops of ammonia solution (ammonia). Then rinse thoroughly.
- You should wipe the product dry with a soft towel to give it shine and eliminate water stains.
- It is not advisable to store a spoon together with other cutlery made of steel and other materials in order to avoid scratches and damage to the surface.
- It is recommended to store the spoon in a special case with velvet or other fine-lint covering.
A silver spoon for a tooth is a kind and useful tradition that reminds the owner throughout his life of the wonderful and carefree time of infancy and the loved ones who love him.
04.08.21
Which spoon to choose for the first tooth
You can buy a silver spoon for your baby’s first tooth in a church shop or in a jewelry store. The range of such products is quite large, so many parents, godparents and relatives have difficulty purchasing. When choosing a product, you need to consider what it will be used for.
If you plan to use it in the future for the first complementary feeding, then you should choose a coffee spoon no more than 13 cm in length.
The tea cutlery is suitable for the time when the baby grows up and can eat on his own. Such a product must have a length of up to 16 cm. If you plan to use a silver spoon for its intended purpose (for eating food), then you need to ask for a quality certificate for the product.
It is important to make sure that the device is suitable for feeding. You also need to pay attention to the coating material of the product. It happens that the device is treated with a composition that is harmful to children and adults. It is not recommended to buy a spoon coated with varnish, gold or rhodium. The varnish is harmful, it is more suitable for souvenirs and rare items.
Gold reduces the beneficial qualities of silver. Rhodium blocks the metal's ability to destroy pathogenic bacteria. It is necessary to choose the correct shape of the spoon handle. It should be comfortable for the baby to hold the product. A handle that is too wide and curly is not suitable. It is better to choose a rectangular shape.
Silver spoon with angel and date of birth
If a silver spoon will be used as a talisman or a family heirloom, then you should pay attention to its appearance. It is better to choose products with decor. You can order the name and date of birth of the baby, wishes of happiness and health, to be engraved on the cutlery.
You should choose a product from trusted manufacturers. The high quality of the product is confirmed by the 999 sample and documented. Baby spoons should not have sharp edges or strongly protruding decorative elements. It is important that the surface is well polished.
When choosing a gift, it is necessary to take into account the gender of the baby. For example, boys should buy cutlery with an image of an angel, stars or a bear. If you plan to present the product for a christening, it is better to put a drawing of a chapel or saints on it.
Spoons for girls are usually decorated with hearts, butterflies, and flowers. If this is a church attribute, then it may contain a cross, an image of the Virgin Mary.
The designs are applied with enamel and decorated with small stones (artificial or precious). The cost of silver spoons in jewelry stores and church shops varies between 3170-9220 rubles. The price depends on the size and decor of the product.
At first glance, this is a rather simple item. Today there are plenty of similar products in jewelry stores, their range is large. This means that purchasing a gift spoon for a child is not difficult. However, it is worth knowing about some features of the choice.
After all, you are buying not only a valuable gift, but also an item intended for a very small person. So a silver spoon for a christening or for the first tooth should be purchased taking into account several criteria:
- Size. Don’t buy a big one, pay attention to the tea or dessert room. Perhaps this is the spoon the baby will learn to hold in his hands. Therefore, it should be light enough and comfortable to grip with your fingers.
- Form. A silver spoon for a clove cannot have any pointed elements. Sometimes manufacturers try to create an original product, the handle of which is decorated with spectacular decor. Remember, children put everything in their hands into their mouths and study each thing in as much detail as possible.
- A silver spoon for a gift for a baby should have smooth lines, be optimally rounded and have no holes in the handle. Otherwise, there is a risk that the child’s finger will get stuck in the hole.
- Quality. Pay attention to the sample: 875 and 925 are good choices. The stamp is usually placed on the back of the product's handle. Do not buy from street sellers under any circumstances - there is a high risk of counterfeiting. The jewelry salon will provide guarantees that the product is truly of high quality.
- Decor. It is worth considering engraving a cross or cross on the spoon. Often, salons will engrave the child’s name on the handle for a small fee. Such a spoon will become not a simple, but a personalized gift. Also choose a product whose handle will not scratch your baby’s skin with sharp elements, but also does not look completely smooth. A handle that does not have relief on the surface will slip out of your fingers.
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There is a custom for luck to touch the child’s first tooth with a spoon. Whether you follow it is up to you. But remember that a silver spoon will in any case bring good luck to the baby.
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It is advisable to give godparents a silver spoon with Orthodox symbols. This could be a model with a cross, an image of a Saint, a Guardian Angel, a prayer “Save and Preserve,” an image of a climbing vine, an inscription “To the Godson” or “Goddaughter.” Such a spoon will become a valuable keepsake, a symbol of spiritual ties.
Grandparents try to give their grandchildren the best, so you can trust them to give a silver spoon. The most convenient model for a child to use is a teaspoon with a wide handle, without a large number of decorative parts.
Why isn't a gold spoon suitable?
It is impossible to say with certainty that a golden spoon is not suitable for a gift. There is a sound grain in this issue, because gold is a more expensive metal.
In addition, it is believed that the origins of the custom of giving a spoon when the first tooth appears are in biblical legends, when the wise men gave gold, frankincense and myrrh for the birth of Jesus.
Table gold
However, historically it happened that the spoon should be made of silver. Once upon a time in Rus', silver was recognized as the most valuable metal.
Therefore, if you want to preserve traditions, then it is best to purchase a silver spoon. And for a gold product, a baptismal cross is perfect.
