A silver spoon for a christening—hardly any gift carries so much history. For centuries, godparents and grandparents throughout Europe have presented a silver spoon when a child is christened. But where does this tradition come from? What is the meaning behind the saying about the silver spoon? And why is 925 sterling silver the material of choice for this special occasion?
In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the cultural history of the baptismal spoon—from England and Russia to German baptismal churches. By the end, you'll understand why a silver spoon is far more than just a pretty gift: it's a blessing you can hold in your hands.
The history of the christening spoon: From English proverb to godparent gift
The idiom " born with a silver spoon in his mouth" originated in 16th-century England. It referred to children from wealthy families who were destined for a good life from birth. But the expression wasn't just a metaphor: it was actually customary for godparents to give their godchild a silver spoon.
During the Tudor period, so-called Apostle Spoons —spoons with figures of the apostles at the end of the handle—were considered the quintessential traditional christening gift. Wealthy godparents would give a set of twelve or thirteen spoons, one for each apostle and one for Christ. Those less well-off would give a single spoon bearing the name of the child's patron saint. Thus, the silver spoon became a symbol of the wish to grant the child a life of prosperity and divine protection.
Russian tradition: “На зубок” — The spoon for the first tooth
In Russia, a parallel, equally ancient tradition exists: "Na zubok" (Na subok), literally translated as "to the tooth." When a child's first milk tooth erupts, they are given a silver spoon. The custom combines two ideas: Firstly, the spoon is meant to bring the child good luck and prosperity—much like its English counterpart. Secondly, the silver spoon has a very practical purpose: It was the child's first piece of cutlery.
In many Russian families, the "Na subok" spoon is still given as a gift by grandparents. It is often engraved with the child's name and the date their first tooth erupted. Some families keep the spoon for a lifetime—as both a talisman and a keepsake.
Interestingly, Russian silversmithing has developed its own unique finishing techniques over centuries, techniques that are hardly known in Western Europe. The niello technique, for example—a dark alloy melted into engraved ornaments—transforms a silver spoon into a small work of art with a depth and detail rarely found in modern spoons. This process, involving over 15 steps, creates a piece that can last for generations.
The baptismal spoon in Germany: a symbol of blessing and care
In Germany, the christening spoon has become a classic gift for godparents . The tradition is closely linked to Christian baptism: the spoon represents the care that the godparent promises the child. It symbolizes the nourishment—both physical and spiritual—that the child is to receive on their life's journey.
Unlike many modern christening gifts, a silver spoon is not a utilitarian object that serves its purpose after a few years. It accompanies the child throughout their life: first as their first set of cutlery, later as a memento of the christening and of the people who were present at this special moment. Many families pass the christening spoon down from generation to generation.
Why a spoon in particular — and not other cutlery?
The spoon is the oldest eating utensil known to humankind and the first a child learns to use. While knives and forks are tools for separating and spearing, the spoon is a tool for giving and nurturing. It represents care, warmth, and the first independent meal. A spoon at baptism is therefore no coincidence—it is a deeply considered symbol.
Why silver? The science behind the tradition.
The fact that our ancestors chose silver for the first children's spoon wasn't just about prestige. Silver possesses a remarkable property that was only scientifically explained in the 20th century: the oligodynamic effect .
Even in minute concentrations, silver ions have an antibacterial effect. They inhibit the growth of bacteria and germs on surfaces. Our grandparents knew this instinctively—they placed a silver coin in the milk jug to keep the milk fresh longer. A silver spoon for the baby followed the same logic: it was the most hygienic utensil one could give an infant.
Why 925 sterling silver?
Pure silver (999 fine silver) is too soft for cutlery—it would bend and scratch easily. Therefore, it is alloyed with copper: 925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. This alloy combines the antibacterial properties and elegant luster of silver with the durability a spoon needs for everyday use.
All our baby spoons made of 925 sterling silver bear the 925 hallmark as proof of quality. This assures you: your christening spoon is genuine silver — not silver-plated sheet metal, not stainless steel with a silver coating.
Our christening spoons: Tradition meets contemporary design
At premiumgeschenk.de you'll find baby spoons that carry this centuries-old tradition into the present day. Each spoon is shaped and finished in a silversmith's workshop — not a mass-produced item, but a piece crafted with care.
The DoDo collection: Tactile baby spoons with feeding function
The DoDo collection combines traditional silverware with a well-thought-out concept for early childhood development. Unlike classic baby spoons, which are purely decorative, DoDo spoons stimulate three senses simultaneously:
- Sight: Colored enamel dots on the handle — high-contrast colors that attract babies' eyes.
- Gripping: Raised relief points on both sides of the handle train fine motor skills
- Taste: Gentle curves in the spoon's bowl touch the baby's tongue and promote oral perception.
Each DoDo spoon comes in its own gift box — with a rainbow design and satin ribbon. A christening gift that not only looks beautiful, but also gives the child something truly meaningful.
Classic motifs and niello finishing
In addition to the DoDo collection, we offer christening spoons with classic motifs: angels, crosses, doves, and floral ornaments. For collectors and connoisseurs of exceptional silverwork, we also offer spoons using the niello technique—a finishing method rarely practiced in Europe anymore. Silversmiths meticulously work the dark niello alloy into engraved ornaments by hand, creating a distinctive contrast with the bright silver.
Whether modern and tactile or classically ornamental: all our christening spoons are made of 925 sterling silver and suitable for everyday use. They are not display pieces—they are made to be used and cherished.
Engraving and silver verse card: Your christening spoon will be personalized.
A christening spoon only becomes truly unique when it bears the child's name. An engraving transforms the gift into a personal heirloom. The most popular engravings for christening spoons are:
- Child's first name
- Baptism date
- A short blessing or Bible verse
- Name of godparent
You can find all the details about fonts, positions and the ordering process on our engraving service page .
Frequently asked questions about the baptismal spoon
Why spoons for a christening?
The spoon is the oldest and most universal eating utensil—a symbol of care and nourishment. Since the 16th century, godparents throughout Europe have given a silver spoon to wish the child prosperity, health, and divine blessing. The tradition combines practical use (silver has antibacterial properties) with profound symbolism.
What does a silver spoon signify?
A silver spoon symbolizes a privileged, sheltered life. The English proverb "Born with a silver spoon in his mouth" describes a child who receives all good things from birth. As a christening gift, the silver spoon expresses the wish that the child may always have enough—materially and spiritually. In Russia, with the tradition "На зубок" (the first spoon), it also symbolizes the beginning of independence with the eruption of the first tooth.
Why is silver given as a christening gift?
Silver combines symbolism and function like no other material. Since antiquity, it has stood for purity and durability. From a practical standpoint, silver possesses antibacterial properties (oligodynamic effect), making it the ideal material for baby cutlery. And unlike toys or clothing, a silver gift never loses its value—it can last for generations and even becomes more valuable with age.
What does a godparent give as a christening gift?
The classic godparent gift is a silver spoon or a christening gift set made of 925 sterling silver. Silver cups, baby rattles, or religious pendants made of silver are also popular godparent gifts . The crucial point is that the gift has lasting value and can accompany the child throughout their life—not a disposable item that will be discarded after a few months.
What is the best gift for a christening?
The best christening gift is one that combines meaning, permanence, and personality. An engraved christening spoon made of 925 sterling silver fulfills all three criteria: it bears the child's name, it will last for generations, and it is part of a centuries-old tradition. For an extra personal touch, the spoon can be complemented with a silver verse card featuring a custom blessing. A gift for a newborn can also be beautifully combined with a christening present—for example, a baby spoon for the birth and an engraved set for the christening.
Discover our baby spoons made of 925 sterling silver
Whether DoDo with tactile features, classic with an angel motif, or in rare niello finish — find the spoon that captures your blessings in silver. Each spoon can be individually engraved.
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