What does the word salt shaker mean: definition, types, purpose

For some reason, it seems as if there is no such person in the world who does not know about the salt shaker. However, there are still people who do not know what this word can mean.

Salt held a special place among many peoples. Its properties and benefits were so highly appreciated that they came up with a special dish for storing this product - a salt shaker.

What is a salt shaker?

This is a small container for salt (both for storage and for serving). Often this product is one of the components of the table pans, on which other items are also located: pepper, mustard, gravy and vinegar.

A classic salt shaker is a small vessel with a lid in which there are small holes. Through them, you can season the dishes with salt in doses. The number and size of these holes can be completely different - it depends mostly on the manufacturer. Refill the salt shaker after removing the lid.

It is believed that the salt shaker has some kind of sacred meaning. For example, in his famous painting "The Last Supper" Leonardo da Vinci painted her next to Judas Iscariot. She was overturned, which at all times was considered a bad omen.

However, today you can find another version of the salt shaker. It may not be a large jar at all, like a gravy boat. In this case, the salt is taken with your fingers. Moreover, it was these boxes that were called salt shakers until the middle of the 19th century.

It was only in 1858 that the American John Mason came up with another form of this object, which became the prototype of a modern product.

Interesting! Traditionally, a classic salt shaker has three holes on the lid, while a pepper shaker has only two. This insignificant difference helps not to solve the riddle of what is in the containers if they are opaque.

What materials are they made of

Today the salt shaker is made from different materials:

• glass;
• plastic;
• ceramics;
• wood;
• porcelain.

Of course, the most expensive salt shaker is porcelain, and in this regard, the Gzhel plant is in the lead, making beautiful products with paintings and drawings. Glass and wood objects are the most popular: they both look aesthetically pleasing and are quite practical. Plastic ones are lightweight, durable (they cannot be broken), but such products will have to be changed every year, since the material can release toxic substances. Ceramic is also a common option for making small containers: it is strong and durable.

Salt shakers as a work of art

Today, both standard containers for everyday use and unique ones are produced: be made of precious metals, fancy shapes, inlaid with stones or carved, painted. Quite often, unique salt shakers become collectibles.

Such an exclusive item will be a great gift for friends or an exquisite decoration for your kitchen. The design of the salt shakers is diverse - it can be either vintage or quite modern.