It is a great thing to watch Wimbledon championships; and when it is our favourite player who is playing, it’s a boon! Amidst all this excitement have you ever noticed that the Wimbledon championship has different trophies for men and women?
Women are given a plate, while the men flaunt a trophy cup! But, why so? Is Wimbledon being gender discrepant or is the event being biased towards women by giving them a plate! The first ever Wimbledon championship was held in the year 1877. It consisted of only one event and that was of Gentleman’s singles, and there was no question of women being awarded, as women never played.

First ever invitation was given to female players to participate in the event during the Men’s Doubles competition in the same year. Two sisters named Maud Watson and her elder sister Lilian Watson played the game. Maud defeated her sister in the event.
Venus Rosewater Dish
The plate that we have been talking about is called the “Venus Rosewater Dish”. Sounds bizarre, right? This plate was not introduced until the year 1886, and was not awarded until the first Women’s Wimbledon Championship. The Silver Salver (save from risk in Latin)  is a ceremonial platter (a pewter) used in England back in the 19th century to hold the rosewater that was poured on the hands to wash them after eating as per a daily ritual.The decoration on the plate is inspired by the mythologies that date centuries back in history. The centre of the plate has a sophrosyne, which is also known as Goddess Venus, who is holding a lamp on the right and a jug on the left. The reason revolves around the traditions that were followed in the Brit colony back in the 19th century, where a woman’s power was linked to the daily household activities she performed and that is why, women are given plates as awards.

Tags: Interesting Newstennistrophyvenus rosewater dishWIMBLEDON

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