For her efforts, a queen could expect to receive a ‘birth tray’ of gifts
If, as a queen or princess, you managed to get through the trauma of pregnancy and giving birth, then at least you could look forward to being showered with gifts. One particular tradition was the gifting of ‘birth trays’ (or a desco da parto as such a tray was known in Renaissance Italy, where they really took off). Whether or not these treasure-laden trays were worth the pain and embarrassment of giving birth without pain relief and in front of an audience is debatable, however.
What was actually on a ‘birth tray’ varied widely, though there were some more common items. For starters, the tray itself would be an intricate, work of art in its own right. For queens or princesses, these would be specially commissioned and might be made of wood or precious metal, with either a biblical scene painted on or elaborate etchings included to add to the sense of occasion. And, of course, there was always space for a royal coat or arms or other symbol or seal. As might be expected, the trays were often used to glorify a king or prince, with the idea of male superiority very much enforced, for instance through paintings of important military victories or of historical (male) figures such as Alexander the Great or of the ancient Gods.
Upon these, the gift bearer would place a range of offerings both big and small. Almost all birth trays would come complete with ornate jars containing chicken broth and sweetmeats, designed to help the recipient get her strength back up after giving birth. Once the lady had eaten all the food, both the birth tray and the jars would be hung up on the walls of her chamber, a useful way of reminding her of the generosity of the people who sent the gift. These would then also become important royal keepsakes, and indeed many remain today and give a fascinating insight into royal births of centuries past, especially in Renaissance Italy.
Interestingly, birthing trays were not just for royals. From around 1600 onwards, they became fashionable among the nobility and even among the minor aristocracy. There was a lively trade in cheaper birth trays, with modestly-decorated wooden bowls especially popular with artisans, nobles and bankers looking to give their wife something special. However, the fact that a vibrant market in second-hand birthing trays emerged alongside this suggests that such gifts were only appreciated for a short time.