Antique Sterling – Baby Rattle

Antique Sterling Baby Rattle available @ Time’s Tin Cup !

Baby rattles were believed to have a calming effect on babies, and they were often used to help soothe fussy infants. In some cultures, rattles were also believed to have protective powers and were used to ward off evil spirits.

Paul Revere is best known for his Midnight Ride that alerted the American colonial militia of the approach of British forces; his origins were of a silversmith that would make rattles to protect babies from evil spirits.

Rattles can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Native Americans, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In these cultures, rattles were used as musical instruments and were also believed to have spiritual and healing properties. In ancient Egypt, rattles were used in religious ceremonies and were often made in the shape of animals or insects. The Greeks and Romans also used rattles in religious ceremonies, and they were often made in the shape of deities.

Native American rattles have been and are used for many purposes including healing and other medicine uses, dancing for ceremony, celebration, and commemorating birth.

Hat Tip! – Mark Church

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Vintage Tin Noisemakers

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