Pass the Salt

Lenox Holiday Santa & Train Salt & Pepper Set

Santa & Mrs Claus Kiss Magnetic Shakers Set

Reindeer & Sleigh Christmas Salt & Pepper ShakeR S/P

In chemical terms, salt is a combination of sodium and chloride ions. NaCl is a simple ionic compound that forms a crystalline structure as a solid, and readily dissolves in water. It is one of the most plentiful compounds on the face of the earth.

From the dawn of civilization, salt has been a key factor in economic, religious, social and political development. It was portable commodity and in high demand. Not only was it necessary for a healthy existence, it was used to preserve food stores for harsh winters and extended trips. Without refrigeration, fresh meat didn't last more than a day or two. Salted down, the meat could be kept for an extended period of time. When hunting was lean, the reserve food stores would carry them through.

Salt has played a vital role in many religious rituals. It was a symbol of purity. There are over thirty references to salt in the Bible. Greek worshippers consecrated salt in their rituals, and the Jewish Temple offerings included salt as well.

As time passed, salt became more readily available. Wealthier household added it to the dinner table as a condiment. Unfortunately, salt came in a block. The salt cellar was put on the table and diners had to chip off a piece before adding it to their meal.

With the advent of salt mills, adding salt to your meal became easier. The mill ground the rock salt into crystals much like the salt and pepper mills of today.

John Mason is credited with inventing the first salt shaker. His shakers were small containers with lids that kept the salt from caking in the humidity. It wasn't long before variations of Mason's idea showed up on the market, but the real breakthrough came in 1940's when ceramics came into being. Since then the number and type of salt and pepper shakers has exploded. They can be found in any manner of shape and size.

There are a number of reasons that people start collecting Salt and Pepper Shakers. Some start collecting by accident. They want a fancy set for a dinner party, or something fun for backyard picnics... Before you know it, they have 2 dozen sets of salt and pepper shakers. Others inherit a set and decide to add to it.

There are a number of valid reasons to collect Salt and Pepper Shakers.
1. People like to collect things and salt and pepper shakers are relatively inexpensive. Oh there are expensive ones, but most are between $5 and $50.
2. They are a great way to save a memory. Commemorative and souvenir salt and pepper shakers are readily available.
3. They make you smile.
4. They increase in value. (Don't make that your sole reason for collecting them. They don't increase THAT much.)

My grandmother collected salt and pepper shakers. When we would go to her house to visit, I loved looking at her collection. My favorites were the turkey salt and pepper shakers. They had a place of honor on the dining room table every Thanksgiving Day. When she passed away, the turkey salt and pepper shakers went to another branch of the family. I didn't think about it at the time, but a few years back I came across a set similar to the ones my grandmother had. I had to have them. I've been collecting salt and pepper shakers ever since.