A spoon for the first tooth, what can I say. A silver spoon on the first tooth - a sign or a necessity? What is the use of a silver spoon

A good old tradition is when you give a silver spoon to a child.

Many have heard about this, some gave it, and some even received such a gift.

But when exactly is it customary to give it as a gift? And also who usually does this? And where did this tradition come from? In our article we will try to understand these issues and more.

Usually a silver spoon is given when a baby gets its first tooth.

It is believed that this should be done by the person who first noticed it. But often the lucky opportunity to observe the first tooth goes to mom or dad.

And of course, such a gift can be given to the baby by someone to whom he is important, who cares about him and wants to please both the parents and the child.

It also happens that everyone was happy about the first tooth, but no one gave a gift. In this case, you should not be upset, because your family and friends simply might not have thought to do this or did not know about such a custom at all. Therefore, mom and dad can give a silver spoon. Who else, if not them, will do this with genuine love and care.

Godparents also give a spoon after the baptism ceremony. This is a great idea for a gift on such an important day in the baby’s life.

At the same time, godparents can give a spoon not only on the day of christening, but also on the anniversary of this event. Just keep in mind that children grow quickly, and may no longer need such a small spoon.

No matter what the rules and customs say, it is still not so important who exactly and when gives a silver spoon, but what is valued is whether it is done with soul and from a pure heart.

Where did this tradition come from?

The custom of giving a silver spoon when the first tooth appears probably originates in biblical legends. When Jesus was born, the wise men gave him gold, because in those days in the East it was considered a sign of wealth, success and dignity.

That is why such a sign appeared in Rus'. It was also customary to give something that would personify wealth and symbolize a future worthy life. That is why the kids were given some kind of silver item: a coin, jewelry or a spoon.

Silver spoon with engraving

Later, in Tsarist Russia, children were traditionally given a small spoon (for dessert) on the first day of school, and a dining room spoon on the last day.

There is a proverb in English culture, the meaning of which is that a lucky person is said to be born with a “silver spoon in his mouth.”

We usually say that such a person was “born in a shirt.” Therefore, the sign of giving a silver spoon is widespread not only in Russian-speaking countries.

Why is a spoon given as a gift specifically for the appearance of the first tooth?

There is a belief that if you tap a growing tooth three times with a spoon, the rest will soon appear, and this process will not be so painful and painful.

This is done to ensure that the teeth are healthy and strong.

Besides this, there is another point of view – a practical one.

Around this period, children begin to be given groundbait.

Since before this the baby ate only mother's milk, which is extremely healthy and sterile, during complementary feeding there is a risk of getting “foreign” bacteria. That is why a silver spoon is used when feeding as an additional degree of protection. It is a fact that silver has an antibacterial effect.

Usually the baby starts feeding with a silicone spoon, and he just plays with the silver one. Then they move on to feeding with this particular device. And when the child grows up, he independently takes food with a spoon.

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Why choose a silver spoon for a gift?

Silver is a metal that can disinfect and kill harmful bacteria and germs.

And this is of great importance when teeth are being cut, because the child’s immunity is not strong enough.

Moreover, it has long been believed that silver is capable of absorbing everything bad.

This opinion comes from the fact that silver jewelry worn on the body periodically darkens.

Silver is credited with properties that take away illnesses and all negativity onto itself.

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.

Which spoon is best for a gift?

The choice of a silver spoon, like any other gift, must be done carefully if there is a desire to present a truly worthwhile item.

It makes sense when buying a silver spoon to pay attention to the following:

• size;
• quality;
• Is it convenient to hold it in the handle?
• aesthetic characteristics.

Considering that, as a rule, such a gift is presented to a very tiny child, the size of the spoon will matter.

There is no doubt that it should be small, so a tablespoon will definitely not work. When choosing a small spoon, it is recommended to give preference to a coffee spoon over a dessert spoon.

Starting with a small device, you will not have to worry about choosing a gift in the future. As the baby grows up, you can give him a teaspoon, a dessert spoon, and then a fork.

It is important to choose a product of proper quality. Products from a good manufacturer usually come with:

• certificate;
• legal address of the enterprise;
• indication of alloy composition;
• recommendations on how to properly care for and clean the product.

You should not purchase the cheapest product, as well as a product with a low standard. This means that a lot of impurities were used to make the spoon. Because of this, the spoon can quickly lose its appearance, which will upset both the child and the donor. After all, such a gift is presented for a long memory.

Spoon for christening

It is not recommended to choose a product with gilding, because it is known that gold and silver do not go well together. Gold can block the beneficial properties of silver, and this is a big disadvantage, since a very small child will use the spoon. In addition, although adding gold plating will look beautiful, over time it will wear off and the gift will lose its original appearance.

You should also pay attention to whether it will be comfortable for the child to hold the spoon, because sooner or later the baby himself will begin to pick it up. A spoon is suitable for a small hand:

• with a wide stem;
• and a deep ladle.

And finally, the gift should be beautiful. After all, the spoon will be kept as a memory of childhood and of the person who gave it. You can add engraving to the product and write the baby’s name on it.

It is best to buy silver with 925 purity. This means that the share of silver is 92.5% and copper is only 7.5%.

It is believed that a spoon should be given immediately at the moment when the baby’s very first tooth is born. Moreover, this should be done by the one who notices it first.

But considering that it is difficult to imagine a situation where it is not the mother who sees it first, but the grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, godparents or friends, the gift can be given a little later.

The child and his parents will be pleased if they are given such a gift for their birthday.

The tradition of giving a baby a silver spoon is actually very good. Such a gift is pleasant and beautiful, and also speaks of the most tender manifestations towards a small child. Attention is always nice.

From the age of 4, a child can easily make simple crafts on his own. can be made from scrap materials - paper, plasticine and even cotton pads.

Video on the topic

Many young mothers and fathers know that the appearance of a child’s first tooth is usually accompanied by the gift of a silver spoon, but not everyone knows why a baby spoon should be made of this particular material, what this tradition is based on, and who should give it. We will try to give comprehensive answers to all these questions in our article.

Why do they give a silver spoon for a child’s first tooth?

The tradition of giving silver spoons as a gift on the appearance of the first tooth goes back deep into history. It originated back in the days of Ancient Rus'. But in those days, this accessory had a slightly different connotation, since silver was a symbol of prosperity and wealth. Therefore, such a gift (and even tapping it on the tooth) suggested wishing health to the baby for many years, prosperity for his family in the future.

Everything is clear with material well-being, but what did the silver spoon given for the first tooth have to do with health? It turns out that already in those days people noticed the properties of this metal to disinfect water. The bactericidal properties of silver were proven by science much later.

The appearance of the first tooth practically coincided with the introduction of complementary foods. That is, the child began to eat food that was not as sterile as breast milk. Therefore, this very silver spoon, given as a gift for the first tooth, was very useful.

So before you reject any traditions or claim that they are meaningless, you need to delve deeper into the issue. Then you will understand that they were not created by our ancestors from scratch, but have a solid foundation. Even if it was still impossible to prove something from a scientific point of view in those distant times, the experience of many generations was a serious help.

One more argument in favor of a silver spoon presented “to the teeth.” As noted above, our ancestors already noticed the beneficial effect of this noble metal on water. In order for it to obtain disinfecting properties, it is necessary to hold a silver object in it for some time. But it could be the spoon that the baby received as a gift for his first tooth. And then he will always be able to drink very healthy water.

Who gives the spoon is no longer important today. Previously, only godparents gave it as a gift. According to another statement, it should be given to the one who first notices the appearance of this very tooth. Grandparents and other close relatives can act as donors.

And finally, I would like to give purely practical recommendations that will help when choosing such an important gift as a silver spoon. After all, the baby will definitely pull it into his mouth even if there is no food on the table. Therefore it should be:

• comfortable (so that the baby can handle it himself without outside help);
• safe (no sharp decorations, not with a narrowed handle);
• not big (dessert) and not small (coffee);
• Made from high quality silver.

I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that such a gift can accompany your now adult child throughout his life, becoming his amulet and memory. Who knows, maybe this first silver spoon will really bring happiness and luck, success and wealth into the life of your beloved child. And perhaps it will start a tradition in your family: passing on silver items to a new generation.

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 such a tradition, which goes back to the distant past. The properties of silver have been known for a long time. Firstly, this noble metal purifies 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 prosperity (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 how impatiently mom and dad wait for the baby to start holding his head up on his own, for the first time - another reason to be happy for the baby. It is in honor of such a significant event that both parents and the newborn are given a silver spoon “for the first tooth.” By the way, about who should give the silver spoon. This gift is usually given by grandparents. But if the sacrament of baptism is planned during the period when teeth have still begun to emerge, then godparents can give a silver spoon for christening.
It is believed that it is from this spoon that the baby should be fed adult food (soup or porridge) for the first time, after lightly tapping it on the tooth. If you're worried about whether you can eat with a silver spoon, you shouldn't be. 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 cleanses 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 pathogenic 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 his first tooth, then before purchasing you should familiarize yourself with some of the nuances of the choice. First of all, don’t rush to buy the first spoon you like. Be sure to take it in your hands to estimate the weight and check whether it will be comfortable for your baby to hold it in a small hand. It is advisable to choose devices whose handles are equipped with rounded teeth at the edges. This will allow the baby to hold it more tightly in his hand. Please ensure that the product does not have sharp edges or jagged edges that could cause injury to a child. Secondly, make sure of the quality of this product. The point is that instead of expensive silver, they may give you a craft made from an unknown alloy. This is why you should not buy a gift in underground passages or 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 product and its safety.

When a child is given a silver spoon, they say wishes for health, prosperity, and goodness. But the baby can only understand the emotions that will accompany the 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 lies 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 a waste, it is better to refrain from buying it. Give your baby something that you think will truly bring him joy.

A silver spoon for a tooth: why is it given as a gift?

Such a gift carries a symbolic meaning, which is rooted in pagan beliefs and superstitions. Silver is a precious metal, therefore a gift in the form of a silver spoon is a symbol of material wealth that everyone wishes for the child in the future. In addition, a spoon is an object that the baby uses several times a day, so it can become a talisman and protection against the evil eye. In addition, in many countries, silver is a symbol of prosperity and success. In England, for example, they say about a lucky person that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and in China they give silver chopsticks for the birth of a child. Silver has enormous energy, which, joining the child’s karma, will help him cope with difficulties.

It's up to you to believe it or not. But it seems to us that this custom is quite cute and there is no need to deny yourself the pleasure of pleasing your friends or loved ones who have small children.

The benefits of a silver spoon for a baby

So, where did the tradition of giving a silver spoon come from, we have clarified a little. However, you will be surprised to know how insightful the ancient people were in introducing the tradition of giving a baby a silver spoon.

The appearance of the child’s first tooth was a kind of signal that it was time to slowly wean him off breastfeeding. This process is difficult for a child, because “adult” products contain many microorganisms, including pathogens, which can negatively affect a weak child’s body. And silver ions are known to kill bacteria. A recent study of this metal showed that not only ordinary microbes are destroyed, but also the causative agents of diphtheria, typhus, pulmonary and intestinal infections. And even the small amount of silver that enters the body from a silver spoon has a bactericidal effect. It was not for nothing that peasants in Ancient Rus' threw a silver coin into a well. So there is a direct connection between feeding a child with a silver spoon and his health. So much for superstition!

Scientists have also found that silver makes food taste creamier and sweeter. So, if your child is capricious and does not agree to eat baby formula, try feeding him from a silver spoon - the baby’s pleasure (and peace of mind) is guaranteed.

Who should give a spoon for a tooth?

According to tradition, the spoon should be given to the person who noticed the tooth first. After this, he should lightly knock 3 times on the tooth and wish the child success and health. According to tradition, this is how and in no other way prosperity will come to the child. But since this person usually turns out to be the mother, the donors become grandparents, godparents or close family friends. In some families, it turns out that several people give a spoon at once - some for a christening, and some for a tooth. Sometimes it is more logical to do this: whoever has the means, gives. In general, this is a matter of chance and it is not so important whether your aunt, your friend or grandfather gives you a spoon.

What to give for the first tooth, besides a spoon?

The tradition of giving a silver spoon can be easily modernized. For example, engrave with the child's name, date and even birth weight. But many people don’t like the idea of ​​buying a spoon - it can be an expensive and sometimes useless gift. There are plenty of other options.

Teether. During teething, it becomes an absolute necessity. Teethers are needed to massage the gums, since the process of teeth appearing is accompanied by itching and unpleasant sensations. You should not neglect them: if you do not give your baby a rodent, he will put everything in his mouth and can damage his gums and cause an infection. Therefore, it is so important to choose a teether that is suitable for the child’s age, of high quality and made from safe materials. There is no need to worry that the baby’s parents have already bought one – there are never enough chewers for teeth.

Cloth. It will never be redundant. Small children grow before their eyes, so it has to be changed very often. Romper suits, baby vests, caps, socks and sandals will definitely come in handy around the house. “Perishable” items that need to be changed frequently, such as bibs and pacifiers, also make good gifts. If you know how to knit, you can make knitted booties or overalls for walking. Another option is to give your baby “going out” clothes, be it a formal suit or a festive dress.

Toys. Rattles, educational games and construction toys - the child will definitely need all this, and you will save parents from unnecessary expenses. Many, by the way, prefer to receive just such gifts - they are practical and useful.

Children's cosmetics. An excellent solution would be a set of children's cosmetics. Choose only proven brands, don’t waste your time on trifles: the products usually last a long time, so their effect on delicate children’s skin will be long-lasting. If you know that your mother is a fan of organic cosmetics, then it would be a good idea to purchase organic baby products for the baby as well.

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Silver spoon from the first days

For a long time on Russian soil there has been a tradition of giving a baby a tooth when a newborn’s first tooth appears, but few people don’t think about where this tradition came from. Nowadays, when the Internet and modern digital technologies are widely available, the objects and actions that our mothers and grandmothers believed in are losing their relevance and are being criticized. Many young parents cut their children's hair before their first anniversary, show their babies to friends and relatives from the first days of their birth, and also do many other things that were unacceptable in the old days. The tradition of giving a silver spoon at the birth of a baby is also forgotten. Let's try to understand why this tradition appeared.

Why do you need to give something made of silver?

Silver products are very useful. Science has proven that silver ions can destroy more than 650 types of harmful microorganisms, which, among other things, cause intestinal diseases. For example, chlorine and lime cope with microorganisms 5 times worse than silver. It is capable of removing various toxins from the body in a short period of time. Moreover, a lack of silver in a baby's body can weaken his immune system, as a result of which the body is more susceptible to colds.

Therefore, the tradition of giving a newborn a silver spoon has a more practical purpose. Usually, this gift is presented with the appearance of the first tooth, because from that moment mothers begin to feed the child not only breast milk, but also other baby products. This is why a silver spoon is needed, since it is completely safe to give food with it.

According to the Gospel, among the many gifts that were presented to the newborn Jesus, there were many items made of gold and silver. In Russia, not everyone can afford gold products, but silver was and is a more affordable metal. Therefore, a gift that would symbolize wealth and at the same time have ancient Christian roots was silver. And what could be better for a baby than a spoon?

Who should give the gift?

If everything is clear from the practical side of such a gift, then there are many opinions about when and who should give it. Most often, a spoon is given as a gift when the first tooth appears in newborns, and is given by the one who discovers this tooth.

There is an opinion that godparents should give a silver spoon to a newborn at the baptism ritual. This is a very good solution, since it saves godparents from choosing a gift, and parents from unnecessary costs. To make the gift original, you can engrave the spoon with the baby’s name. In general, it is not so important who gives this gift; it is more important that it is given sincerely, from the heart.

Today, there are many silver items available in the market that differ not only in appearance, but also in the quality of the silver.

Therefore, when choosing a silver spoon for a baby, you need to be extremely careful.

If the gift will be used as a souvenir, then you need to choose its beautiful design and decoration. In the case of using a gift for its intended purpose, it is necessary to ask in stores for a hygiene certificate, which is a confirmation of the high quality of the product, and also pay attention to the silver standard (must be 999) and what the spoons are coated with, because in order for the silver not to lose its shine, it is covered with a protective layer. It is safest to use silver of the same standard for coating as the spoon is made from. Very often, the product is covered with decorative coatings that are harmful to the health of not only the child, but also the adult. It is not advisable to buy a silver spoon that is covered with:

• varnish (varnishing), since varnish coating is better suited for souvenirs and rare items;
• rhodium (radiation), since this coating blocks the beneficial properties of silver to destroy bacteria;
• gold (gilding), which also reduces the beneficial properties of silver.

Note that silver spoons are quite accessible to the population of the country. Their cost ranges from 50-150 dollars.

Therefore, if for some reason your child was not given a silver spoon, do not spare your money and purchase it yourself, as it is an item that will help the baby resist harmful microorganisms.