Apostle spoon

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A set of apostle spoons
The handle of an apostle's spoon

The term apostle spoon ( baptismal spoon ) denotes a mostly silver or silver-plated spoon with an apostle figure (usually full round) or another Christian figure on the end of the handle .

Apostle spoons were particularly popular in the pre-Reformation period. They were particularly widespread in England, but also in Germany and Holland.

The apostle spoons have their origins in Europe in the early 15th century. They were used at the table back then. Apostle spoons symbolize the last supper of Jesus Christ with his twelve apostles. They were mostly produced as sets consisting of 13 pieces, whereby in addition to the 12 spoons with the respective apostles there was also a 13th apostle spoon, on which Jesus Christ was usually depicted. The 13th spoon was reserved for the master of the house as the so-called “ master spoon ”.

In the British Museum in London, a set from England shows the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 13th spoon.

In the 16th century, apostle spoons were used as a baptism gift from the godfather to the baptized child. Usually one-offs were given. The apostle depicted did not have to serve as the namesake for the child. Wealthy godparents gave a whole set or several apostle spoons - but this was rather the exception. The apostle spoons then disappeared around 1660. In some congregations, the tradition of giving away apostle spoons as baptismal gifts was maintained until the middle of the 20th century.

There are also apostle spoons from Sterzing in South Tyrol. In spoons that come from this area, the figures of the apostles were usually engraved in the end of the handle made of horn or bone .

Symbols

Each of the apostles depicted on an apostle spoon can be recognized by its respective symbol:

  1. James the Younger ( Walker's pole )
  2. Matthew (evangelist; ax, measuring stick, square measure)
  3. Judas Thaddäus (halberd, stones, club, hatchet)
  4. Thomas (lance, square, spear)
  5. Simon Zelotes (saw, hatchet)
  6. Judas Iscarioth (purse, ax)
  7. Peter (sword or key or fish)
  8. Andreas (oblique bar cross )
  9. James the Elder (shell, pilgrim hat)
  10. John (Evangelist; chalice with snake)
  11. Philip (cross, staff, rod)
  12. Bartholomew (knife)
  13. Jesus Christ (cross, globe)

Web links