British antique silver christening gifts

What is a Christmas Gift?

"Christing" is the rite of baptism performed for the introduction of Christianity.
The method of baptism differs depending on the country and Christian denomination, but in England at the time, if the parents were Christians, it was common for a child to be baptized within one year of birth at a church.
I think that it becomes an image like "first festival" in Japan.

When a baby is baptized, it is called a Chrising gift.
Christening gifts may be made of pewter or silver plate, but sterling silver was the choice of wealthy families.
In the UK, there is a custom of using a spoon during the baptism ceremony to perform 'Okui-zome', and the proverb 'Born with a silver spoon' means a child born in a wealthy family.

Features of Christmas gifts

Christmas gifts are often silver colored.
Since ancient times, silver has been valued as currency in Europe, so it was customary to give silver coins as a symbol of future economic stability to children.
It is also said that silver has an antibacterial effect, so it is said that it is derived from the fact that parents encouraged their children to suck on silver spoons when the plague was prevalent in medieval Europe.

Around the time of the Tudor dynasty (1485-1603) in England, the custom of giving silver spoons engraved with the image of an apostle called the "Apostle Spoon" became widespread.
In the late Victorian era of the 19th century, Christmas gifts developed, and not only spoons but also cutlery sets, mugs, napkin rings, etc. came to be given.

Since Christmas gifts are personal gifts, they are often engraved with the sender's or child's initials, christening or birthday date.
Another feature is that many items are in luxurious cases.

Types of Christmas Gifts

1. silverware

The most common items are tableware, including silver spoons.
In addition to spoons, there are also knife and fork sets, bowls, plates, napkin rings, and egg cups.

2. cup

A slightly smaller mug with a handle, called a Christmas cup.
There are many beautiful sterling silver cups with rich and detailed decorations.

3. others

Rattles and silver coins are also traditional Christmas gifts.
There are also relatively new items such as photo frames and music boxes.

summary

A Christmas gift is a gift that will last a lifetime.
Especially those given to children of wealthy antique families are extravagantly decorated and many of the silver antiques are particularly beautiful.

Many of the cutlery and cup sizes are slightly smaller than dinner cutlery and cups for adults, and many of them are just the right size for Japanese people with small hands.
Most cutlery sets are 6 sets or more, so if you are looking for your own special cutlery, you may want to look for Krisning Cutlery.

Click here for our Christening Cutlery

Click here for our Christmas cup