A silver spoon for christening – hardly any gift carries so much history within it. For centuries, godparents and grandparents across Europe have presented a silver spoon when a child is christened. But where does this tradition come from? What is 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 take you on a journey through the cultural history of the christening spoon – from England to Russia and into German christening churches. By the end, you will understand why a silver spoon is much more than a pretty gift: it is a blessing you can hold in your hands.
The History of the Christening Spoon: From English Proverb to Godparent's Gift
The idiom "Born with a silver spoon in his mouth" originates from 16th-century England. It referred to children from wealthy families who were destined for a good life from birth. But the expression was not just a metaphor: it was actually customary for godparents to give their godchildren a silver spoon.
During the Tudor period, so-called Apostle Spoons — spoons with apostle figures at the end of the handle — were considered the quintessential traditional christening gift. Wealthy godparents would give an entire set of twelve or thirteen spoons, one for each apostle and one for Christ. Those less affluent would give a single spoon featuring the patron saint of the child being christened. Thus, the silver spoon became a symbol of the wish to provide the child with 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: "На зубок" (Na subok), literally translated as "on the tooth." When a child's first milk tooth appears, they are given a silver spoon. The custom combines two ideas: on the one hand, the spoon is meant to bring the child luck and prosperity—much like its English counterpart. On the other hand, the silver spoon has a very practical background: it was the child's first personal eating utensil.
In many Russian families, the "Na subok" spoon is still given by the grandfather or grandmother. It is often engraved with the child's name and the date of the first tooth. Some families keep the spoon for a lifetime—as both a talisman and a keepsake.
Interestingly, Russian silversmithing has developed its own refining techniques over centuries, which are little 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 richness of detail rarely found in modern spoons. Over 15 steps are involved in creating a piece that endures for generations.
The Christening Spoon in Germany: Symbol of Blessing and Care
In Germany, the christening spoon has established itself as a classic godparent's gift. The tradition is closely linked to Christian baptism: the spoon represents the care that the godparent promises the child. It symbolizes nourishment—both physical and spiritual—that the child should receive throughout their life.
Unlike many modern christening gifts, a silver spoon is not a utility item that has served its purpose after a few years. It accompanies the christened child throughout their life: first as their initial cutlery, later as a reminder of the baptism and of the people who were present at this special moment. Many families pass down the christening spoon from generation to generation.
Why a spoon — and not other cutlery?
The spoon is humanity's oldest eating utensil and the first that a child learns to use. While knives and forks are tools for separating and piercing, the spoon is a tool for giving and nourishing. It stands for care, warmth, and the first independent meal. A spoon for christening is therefore no coincidence — it is a deeply thoughtful symbol.
Why Silver? The Science Behind the Tradition
The fact that our ancestors chose silver for the first child's spoon was not just about prestige. Silver possesses a remarkable property that was only scientifically explained in the 20th century: the oligodynamic effect.
Even in the lowest concentrations, silver ions have an antibacterial effect. They inhibit the growth of bacteria and germs on surfaces. Our grandparents instinctively knew this — they would put a silver coin in the milk jug to keep the milk fresh longer. A silver spoon for a baby followed the same logic: it was the most hygienic cutlery one could give an infant.
Why 925 Sterling Silver?
Pure silver (999 fine silver) is too soft for cutlery — it would bend and get scratched. 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 the noble shine of silver with the stability that a spoon needs in daily use.
All our baby spoons made of 925 silver bear the 925 hallmark as proof of quality. This means you know: your christening spoon is real silver — not silver-plated sheet metal, not stainless steel with a silver coating.
Our Christening Spoons: Tradition Meets Contemporary Design
💝 For every gift, we design a digital SilverVerse card in photo format — with a personal verse, as a high-quality photo print, and optionally included for free.
At premiumgeschenk.de, you'll find baby spoons that carry this centuries-old tradition into the present. Each spoon is crafted and refined in a silver workshop — not a mass-produced item, but a piece made with care.
The DoDo Collection: Tactile Baby Spoons with Developmental Benefits
The DoDo collection combines silver tradition with a well-thought-out developmental concept for early childhood development. Unlike classic baby spoons, which are purely decorative, DoDo spoons stimulate three senses at once:
- Sight: Colored enamel dots on the handle — high-contrast colors that baby eyes respond to
- Grasping: Raised relief dots on both sides of the handle train fine motor skills
- Taste: Gentle curves in the spoon bowl touch the baby's tongue and promote oral perception
Each DoDo spoon comes with its own gift box — with a rainbow design and a satin ribbon. A christening gift that not only looks beautiful but actually gives something to the child.
Classic Motifs and Niello Embellishment
In addition to the DoDo collection, we offer christening spoons with classic motifs: angels, crosses, doves, and floral ornaments. For collectors and lovers of special silver art, we also offer spoons in Niello technique — an embellishment method that is hardly practiced in Europe anymore. The dark Niello alloy is hand-worked into engraved ornaments by silversmiths, creating an unmistakable contrast with the bright silver.
Whether modern-tactile or classically ornamental: All our christening spoons are made of 925 sterling silver and suitable for daily use. They are not display pieces — they are made to be used and loved.
Engraving and SilverVerse Card: Your Christening Spoon Becomes Personal
A christening spoon only truly becomes 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
- Christening date
- A short blessing or Bible verse
- Godparent's name
You can find all details on fonts, positions, and the ordering process on our Engraving Service page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christening Spoons
Why spoons for 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 is antibacterial) with deep symbolism.
What does a silver spoon mean?
A silver spoon symbolizes a privileged, protected life. The English proverb "Born with a silver spoon in his mouth" describes a child who is fortunate 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 "На зубок" tradition, it also symbolizes the beginning of independence with the first tooth.
Why give silver for christening?
Silver combines symbolism and function like no other material. It has stood for purity and durability since antiquity. Practically speaking, 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 become more valuable over the years.
What do godparents give for christening?
The classic godparent's gift is a silver spoon or a christening gift set made of 925 sterling silver. Additionally, silver cups, baby rattles, or religious pendants made of silver are also popular godparent's gifts. The key is that the gift has lasting value and can accompany the child throughout their life — not a utility item that is discarded after a few months.
What is the best gift for christening?
The best christening gift is one that combines meaning, durability, and personality. An engraved christening spoon made of 925 sterling silver meets all three criteria: it bears the child's name, it lasts for generations, and it stands in a centuries-old tradition. If you want to make the gift particularly personal, complement the spoon with a SilverVerse card featuring an individual blessing. A birth gift can also be wonderfully combined with a christening gift — for example, a baby spoon for birth and an engraved set for christening.
Discover our baby spoons made of 925 Sterling Silver
Whether DoDo with tactile promotion, classic with an angel motif, or in rare Niello embellishment — find the spoon that embodies your blessings in silver. Each spoon can be individually engraved.
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