Like silver spoons or sixpences, to give silver cutlery as a christening gift is to continue an ancient British tradition

Choosing to give silver cutlery at a christening is to do more than simply make a beautiful gift. It is to carry on a tradition that has been continued in Britain for centuries.

There is no certain start date for the custom of giving silver cutlery as a present. The act of presenting a newly born baby with a gift pre-dates Christianity, and thus christenings themselves.

The three wise men who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to Bethlehem weren’t the first to make such gifts. And neither were they the last. The Christian church took control of “hatches, matches and dispatches” in Europe and, in many cases, co-opted existing traditions. The practice of making a present to a baby became associated with the christening service.

Gifts of silver develop
As the idea of precious metal as a form of currency took hold – developing almost simultaneously with the church – the gifts people gave became linked with the idea of giving the child a financial start in life.

What started almost as a medieval trust fund was still going strong in the twentieth century with the giving of silver sixpences or ‘lucky sovereigns’ – and many a post-decimal child will remember having a shiny new five pence pressed into their palm by a beaming friend or relative.

Over the years the idea of cutlery – specifically silver cutlery – became attached to the christening gift. It shouldn’t be surprising; by the middle ages metal plates, dishes, goblets and cutlery were among the most prized possessions a family could own (explaining why the cup used at the last supper – the Holy Grail – took on such significance in medieval literature).

From silver coins to silver cutlery
The apostle spoon – the silver teaspoon with a religious motif at the end of the handle – first appeared as a christening gift in Tudor times. Only the very rich could afford gold plates and cups or silver cutlery – hence the phrase “born with a silver spoon in his mouth”, suggesting an over-privileged upbringing.

An expanding middle class in Victorian Britain began to see giving money as slightly vulgar, and restored the Tudor idea of giving gifts with a financial worth instead. Silver cutlery, eggcups, bells and cups all became favourites; they were attractive, useful and – as bullion – had an intrinsic value.

Today the tradition of giving a gift of silver cutlery persists – and long may it continue.

Fine silver cutlery from Glazebrook & Co
Glazebrook & Co specialise in offering quintessentially British silver and stainless steel cutlery of the very highest quality.

For the ultimate wedding gift, Glazebrook have a range of cutlery, silver cutlery and stainless steel cutlery. Glazebrook take pride in not only supplying the finest products, but in serving the needs of a broad client base, from the individual private buyer to the most prestigious of corporate and trade customers worldwide.

The comprehensive range caters to a variety of tastes: from time-honoured, traditional English styles in solid sterling silver and silver plate, to more contemporary matt and mirror finish designs in ever practical stainless steel.

Whatever your choice, our focus is always on quality and style, and our commitment remains to offer superlative craftsmanship at exceptional value. To find out more, telephone: +44 (0) 20 7731 7135 or E-mail: sales@glazebrook.com.