Spoon Set

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.

Spoon Rest with Wooden Spoon $5 Spoon Rest 8.5'' Wooden stirring spoon 4'' round stainless steel spoon rest 3 pc. Set includes spoon Spoons cradles are both a decorative accent to any kitchen decor Drips drain into the bowl Keeps counters clean Stands durable chrome platin Brand: Kennedy Home Collections Type: Storage and Organization Color/Finish: As Shown Color Mapping: Chrome

BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Red $24.95 BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Red

BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Yellow $24.95 BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Yellow

BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Blue $24.95 BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Blue

BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Green $24.95 BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Green

BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Pink $24.95 BABYBJORN Plate And 2 Spoon Set In Pink

Beaba Soft Spoon and Fork Set Of 10 $24.95 Beaba Soft Spoon and Fork Set Of 10

Goddess Bowl and Spoon Set $19.95 Breakfast of Deities. "You're Beautiful! You're Amazing! You're Brilliant! You're Fabulous!" What better way to start the day than with a bowl of praises! And waiting at the bottom? "You're a Goddess!" Includes matching, stainless-steel spoon. Stoneware. Bowl: 6" diam. Spoon: 8" long.

Spoon And Fork Costume Set $47.95 Got a whole crew bringing themselves as the feast for your Halloween party? Well, you can't enjoy the meal without the proper silverware! Pair up with your significant other and grab this Spoon And Fork Costume Set! You and your squeeze will have a simple and fun costume that'll show everyone just who you're with!So get your spouse or friend and team up with our Spoon And Fork Costume Set today!

Tablemate Fork & Spoon Serving Set $20.99 0% 12 Pack 2 4 9.50" Length Fork and spoon set offers an attractive contemporary design. Set includes two serving forks and two serving spoons. Cutlery Set Fork & Spoon Serving Set No Plastic Tablemate Tablemate Products, Inc W95PK4 White www.tablemateusa.com

Rachael Ray 55290 2-Piece Spoon Set - Orange $22.42 13" Solid Nylon Spoon & 13" Slotted Nylon Spoon. Dishwasher Safe. Limited Lifetime Warranty. 13" Solid Nylon Spoon & 13" Slotted Nylon Spoon. Dishwasher Safe. Limited Lifetime Warranty

Rachael Ray 55290 2Piece Spoon Set Orange $27.76 13 Solid Nylon Spoon 13 Slotted Nylon Spoon. Dishwasher Safe. Limited Lifetime Warranty. 13 Solid Nylon Spoon 13 Slotted Nylon Spoon. Dishwasher Safe. Limited Lifetime Warranty

Norpro Norpro Grapefruit Spoon 1281 $5.41 Grapefruit spoon Serrated edges Set of 4 Brand #: Norpro 1281 UPC: 028901012816 Keywords: grapefruit spoon

Egg and Spoon Race - Set of 4 $11.95 One two three GO! Children can balance a breakable egg at the end of the spoon as they walk run hop and race to the finish.

Stansport 343 Deluxe Knife Fork Spoon Set $20.67 Deluxe Knife Fork and Spoon Set The Deluxe Knife Fork and Spoon Set Made of durable rust proof stainless steel. Locks together into one compact unit. Product Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 13 .

Fork and Spoon Costume Set Adult $49.99 Fork and Spoon packaged together. Available in one size fits most adults,sizes Large/X-Large. Pants and shirts not included.

Set of Stainless Steel Spoon and Chopsticks with Golden Flowers $8.99 Descriptions:Wonderful Tableware with fabulous designThere are pair of Chinese Chopsticks and Spoon Set all are made of stainless steel;Tableware is in very good condition with no cracks or splits;There are few Golden Flowers devices on the spoon and the Chinese Chopsticks;The Chopsticks are 21cm long and the Spoon is about 21cm long;Weight: 77g

Romantic Pattern Chopsticks Spoon Set for Travel Camping $10.49 Description:Romantic Pattern Chopsticks Spoon Set is great for camping, picnics, lunch boxes, and anytime you need a clean set of utensils!It features all stainless steel design, durable and easy to clean.This Chopsticks Spoon Set for Travel Camping includes a pair of chopsticks, and a spoon.Chopsticks Spoon Set comes with a plastic case for easy transportation.This Travel Camping of Chopsticks Spoon Set is also a great gift for friends!Spoon measures approx. 18.8cm long, and 4cm wide.Chopsticks measuring approx. 18.8cm long.The case is measures approx. 20.8cm long, 5.5cm wide, and 2.2cm high.Weight: 103gPackage Included:1 x pair of Chopsticks1 x Spoon1 x Storage Case

Bamboo 5-piece Cooking Spoon Set $44.64 These durable, strong cooking spoons make a great addition to any kitchen. Safe for non-stick surfaces, these natural bamboo spoons are less absorbent than wood.Set of Bamboo cooking spoonsUse for cooking, serving and food preparationMaterials: 100-percent bamboo measurementsIncludesOne (1) extra long 15-inch spoonOne (1) 12-inch pierced spoonOne (1) 12-inch standard spoonOne (1) 12-inch corner spoonOne (1) 13-inch stir fry spatula

Yamazaki Hospitality 3-piece Spoon Set $47.76 Enrich your dining experience with a Yamazaki Hospitality 3-piece spoon setElegant utensils are made of 18/8 stainless steelFlatware set is designed to enhance your table settingDishwasher-safe

Candy Dipping Set with Spoon and Fork $18.91 Candy dipping set makes it easy to dip your favorite foodsEasily make caramel apples and other treats without making a messCandy dipping set constructed of stainless steel and durable wood handlesIncludes one spoon and one two-pronged fork

Travelling Set of a Knife, Fork, Spoon and Beaker, circa 1690 $49.99 Travelling Set of a Knife, Fork, Spoon and Beaker, circa 1690 - Giclee Print

Michael Graves Spoon Set by Alessi $48 Make tea time a well-rounded affair with the Alessi Michael Graves Spoon Set. It features a set of four distinctively shaped teaspoons. The bowl of each spoon looks like an actual bowl, its rounded shape balanced at the opposite end of the handle by a small Black polyamide sphere. Alessi, known as the Italian design factory, has manufactured household products since 1921. The stylish and fun items offered are the result of contemporary partnerships with some of the world's best designers of unique and modern home accessories. The Alessi Michael Graves Spoon Set is available with the following: Details:4 teaspoonsMade of steelBlack PA (polyamide) knobsMirror Polished finishDesigned by Michael Graves, 1989Shipping: In Stock items ship within 1 business day. Others usually ship within 2 weeks unless otherwise noted. Dimensions: Item: Length 4 In.

Sainsbury's Kids Spoon and Spatula $3 This brightly coloured spoon and spatula set makes a cheerful addition to any child's baking kit. Made of silicone and plastic they are just the right size for little hands.

Egg and Spoon Pass - Set of 6 $15.99 Children will have fun while developing fine motor coordination. Made of high-quality wood these are made to last. Spoon measures 12L and egg measures 2L x 1 3/4W. Ages 3 years and up.

Noble Stainless Steel Fork And Spoon Cutlery Set $6.99 Description:100% Brand New and High Quality Steel Cutlery Tableware with Fabulous Design The Fork Spoon Set all are made of stainless steel;Tableware is in very good condition with no cracks or splits;There is a few Golden Purfle on the spoon and forkThe slim holdher parts of the fork and Spoon are made with beautiful Golden Purfle deviceThe fork is 13.4cm long and the soup spoon is about 13cm longWeight: 35g

Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set $3.15 Make sure you have the right amount every time with the Alegacy 2316EH Measuring Spoon Set. Made with extra heavy stainless steel the Alegacy 2316EH Measuring Spoon Set has a round bowl design and includes a set of four. This Alegacy 2316EH Measuring Spoon Set is a needed tool in any kitchen for spot on recipes every time.

Paderno World Cuisine 42615-04 Measuring Spoon Set $23.47 4 Piece Measuring spoon Set Includes: One 0.25 teaspoon One 0.5 teaspoon One 1 teaspoon One 3 teaspoon. Measuring spoon set. Scooping and portioning herbs spices and small amounts of liquid. Material: Stainless steel.

Paderno World Cuisine 4261504 Measuring Spoon Set $29.06 4 Piece Measuring spoon Set Includes: One 0.25 teaspoon One 0.5 teaspoon One 1 teaspoon One 3 teaspoon. Measuring spoon set. Scooping and portioning herbs spices and small amounts of liquid. Material: Stainless steel.

KitchenAid® Measuring Spoon Set in Black $4.74 This amazingly colorful 5 piece Measuring Spoon Set by KitchenAid® contains everything you'll need to measure out the ingredients in your next meal. The set includes 5 measuring spoons (1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 tablespoon and 1 tablespoon) connected by a ring that allows you to hang the set. Each measuring spoon fits together for space saving storage and can be hung individually by the convenient hanging hole.Features: • Measuring spoons in sizes of: 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 tablespoon, and 1 tablespoon • Includes convenient hang hole • Pieces fit inside larger ones for space saving storage • Dishwasher Safe • Color: Black

9.5 Black Serving Fork And Spoon Set/2 $1.99 Use this plastic Salad and Fork Spoon Set to serve your guests. Each Salad and Fork Spoon Set is black and measures 9 1/2 inches long.

Boys SeaTails Spoon & Dish Set $45.49 What could possibly make a bigger splash at mealtime than SeaTails 2 Piece baby Set by Reed & Barton®! This adorable children?s collection features our fine finned friends from the sea in practical, durable stainless steel. Our gift set includes a "whale" infant feeding spoon and "fish" bowl with a plastic "tail" handle that makes it easy for youngsters to grip and hold. Dishwasher safe, SeaTails are the perfect dining companions for every little ?buoy and gill.?